Premier urges state to “stay on course” after large groups of people went outside to celebrate loose regulations.
The Prime Minister of the Australian state of Victoria has urged citizens to “stay on course” after large groups flooded beaches and parks over the weekend despite lockdowns.
Victoria, which emerged from a big winter surge in coronavirus cases, eased lockdown rules last weekend but only allowed five people from up to two households to gather outside.
Many ignored these regulations on Saturday and the crowded parks and beaches, which led Prime Minister Daniel Andrews to remind Victorians not to be selfish and to distance themselves physically.
Victoria reported just 12 new coronavirus cases and one death Sunday, way down on the peaks of winter.
The death was an elderly man who lived in an elderly care facility where an outbreak was occurring.
“We’re so, so close,” said Andrews.
“Let’s neither of us do anything that could undermine the very positive numbers. Once we keep it low, we can keep it low and open up again when we’re not doing something stupid or selfish. “
Andrews said the situation in Victoria is “cautious” as the state seeks to further relax lockdown rules.
“It’s sunny, yes, and people love to go to the beach when it’s sunny, but there’s a global pandemic,” he said.
“Surely there is a greater urge to see this thing defeat it and have a normal summer and a COVID normal Christmas and 2021.”
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