Bondi Beach will temporarily close today after thousands took to the water, ignoring public health advice.

On Friday, the Federal Government imposed new self-isolation measures, banning non-essential public gatherings of more than 500 people, and advising people to keep 1.5 metres apart at all times. The Government has also urged people to stay home, where possible.

Moving forward, Bondi Beach, as well as other NSW beaches, will now be monitored to ensure there are no more than 500 people on the sand at any one time.

NSW Police Minister David Elliott said: “In consultation with the police and Surf Life Saving NSW, we will now see beaches across the state that do not comply with the regulations close.”

“That is to say Surf Lifesaving will advise the local area command that they believe the public gathering is not complying, they will shut down the beach and order people to move on. If people don’t comply, then the police will then have the power to move on individuals,” he said.

Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia have now surpassed 1000, with an additional 83 cases confirmed in NSW in the last 24 hours.