coronavirus,

IT was a sight that led to council closing the beaches only two weeks ago, but with barely a cloud in the sky on Sunday the allure of Bathers Way proved too strong for hordes of Novocastrians. The popular beachfront walkway was packed in the middle of the day as hundreds sought some sunshine and outdoor activity after three weeks of being told to isolate at home. Newcastle lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes had urged Novocastrians to stay at home ahead of the Easter long weekend, echoing federal and state government advice that it was "not the time to slip up on social distancing". But while plenty were out and about on Sunday, most people appeared to be walking in pairs and doing their best to stay 1.5 metres away from each other. Cr Nelmes backed up the message from Police that unless people were going out to get food or medical supplies, going to work or appointments, or getting exercise in their own neighbourhood, they should be at home. "To help contain and slow the spread of COVID-19, we all have to work together and that means staying in our homes and our neighbourhoods," Cr Nelmes said "By working together as a community, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 to protect each other and be back enjoying ourselves with friends and family as soon as possible." Elsewhere in the region, Warners Bay proved popular with those getting in their daily dose of exercise. Picnic tables and bench seats are roped off at most public parks and open spaces across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie to prevent people congregating. Skate parks, playgrounds, dog parks and barbecue facilities also remain closed. The region's beaches are officially shut but surfing and swimming is permitted as it is considered exercise. With intrastate travel essentially barred, some of the region's tourist hotspots were deserted over the weekend, including the usually busy Nelson Bay foreshore. Major shopping centres were also relatively empty, but there were long ques outside Bunnings Warehouse outlets at Belmont and Kotara on Saturday.

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