Shocking photo shows people breaching coronavirus rules at child's birthday party
A photo has emerged of a group of more than 20 people appearing to be disregarding social distancing rules at a child’s birthday party.
The images, obtained by Nine News, show a crowd of adults and children seeming to ignore the 1.5 metre social distancing rules and breaking restrictions on gatherings of more than two people by standing in front of a Melbourne home.
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Victoria Police confirmed that officers attended the property at Beaumaris, in the city’s southeast over the weekend.
Despite early reports that 16 people were fined at the event, police have clarified that only the host of the child’s party received an infringement.
“Victoria Police issued one $1,652 fine to the event organiser. No other fines were issued,” police said in a statement.
There was a nearby gathering that attracted multiple fines.
“There was a separate incident on the weekend where 15 people were found partying at a house in Bentleigh East. All 15 attendees received on-the-spot fines and a 27-year-old man was interviewed in relation to hinder police.”
Under coronavirus restrictions gatherings of more than two people who don’t live in the same house are banned, and offenders could face an on-the-spot fine of up to $1652 in Victoria.
Premier Daniel Andrews said on Monday that the state has made progress in flattening the curve, but that was not an invitation to relax the measures.
About 7000 tests were done on the weekend.
The single new case brings Victoria's infection tally to 1329.
But Mr Andrews doesn't anticipate an end to the current social distancing laws and partial lockdown.
"No one is enjoying not being able to do the things they love, being locked at home," he said.
"But there is a clear alternative. That's what we see in New York, where there are 8000 people dying every day."
- With AAP
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