Fremantle Council reminds beach goers to maintain social distancing

With warm weather forecast for the Easter break, Fremantle beach goers are being reminded to maintain physical distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19.

While Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan has instructed the WA Police Commissioner to shut down any beaches if there are large gatherings or other breaches of the physical distancing directives, Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt  is advising residents they can still go for a swim, walk or run, but must minimise contact with other people and stay at least 1.5 metres apart.

The latest directive from the WA Government is that people should stay at home and only leave home to go to work, shop for essential supplies, attend a medical appointment, make a compassionate visit or for personal exercise on your own or with one other person.

Public gatherings, excluding household members, have been reduced to a maximum of two people.

The state government has also introduced $1000 on-the-spot fines for people caught flouting the restrictions.

Fremantle Mayor Pettitt said it had been pleasing to see the overwhelming majority of people doing the right thing with physical distancing at beaches and added “we really need to keep up the good work.

“At the risk of stating the obvious - by all means go for a swim or a walk or a run, but ensure you minimise contact with other people and stay at least 1.5 metres apart.

“When you’re done with your swim, run or walk, don’t linger – go home.

“The same applies for our parks and other public places like Monument Hill.

“The reality is the more we stay at home the better chance we have of stopping this virus.”

In line with health advice from the state and federal governments the City of Fremantle has closed public showers and water fountains at beaches and parks to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

For the latest updates about City of Fremantle services and facilities visit the COVID-19 page on City of Fremantle's website. 

For more information about COVID-19 and the WA Government restrictions in place visit www.healthywa.wa.gov.au.

Image courtesy of City of Fremantle