Sydney’s most iconic beach will close after thousands of people were seen enjoying the sun and ignoring social distancing guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Thousands flocked to Bondi Beach on Friday amid temperatures in the high 30s, with pictures of packed beaches going viral online.

Photos of beachgoers ignoring social distancing measures were harshly criticised on social media and by politicians, on the same day the government announced tighter social distancing measures.

NSW Police David Elliott will announce the drastic measure at Bondi Beach on Saturday afternoon.

In the video below: Queensland woman with coronavirus didn’t have common symptoms

Your cookie settings are preventing this third party content from displaying. If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.

It came as Waverley mayor Paula Masselos on Saturday issued a public plea for people to stay away from Bondi amid the coronavirus pandemic and away from beaches.

“The public must at all times keep a minimum safe distance from each other in public places and if you don’t need to be out in public, please consider staying at home,” Masselos said.

Bondi Beach was packed on Friday. Credit: John Fotiadis / AAP

“We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and I am frustrated that people continue to ignore health advice about social distancing as observed yesterday at Bondi Beach.”

Masselos asked for people to heed advice from NSW health including practising social distancing and following hygiene rules.

“No-one is immune to COVID-19 and behaving irresponsibly puts the entire community at risk,” Masselos said.

Thousands of people were seen ignoring social distancing guidelines. Credit: John Fotiadis / AAP

Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters in Melbourne that local councils needed to ensure people were observing health and safety measures.

“What happened in Bondi was unacceptable and the local council must take steps to stop that occurring,” Hunt said.

More on 7NEWS.com.au

“Each of us as individuals, as families, as groups, as councils, as state governments, as a national government has responsibility.

“Where something like this is occurring the local council must step in and that message is absolutely clear.”

It’s unclear how long the beach will be closed for.

- With AAP