In a rapid turn of events, all ocean baths and tidal pools across the Mid Coast local government area (LGA) have been closed until further notice.
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Earlier today, Tuesday, March 31, the Great Lakes Advocate reported that beaches and ocean baths across the Mid Coast remained open, but at lunch time today MidCoast Council (MCC) began closing public ocean baths and tidal pools in line with the latest government advice.
"This is related to Covid-19, social distancing and reducing the risks for the community," MCC community spaces, recreation and trades manager, Dan Aldridge, said.
"The idea is to encourage people to stay home."
Mr Aldridge said the rapid about-face was based on additional information council had received.
"We're getting daily updates from both the Federal and State Government," he said.
However, Mr Aldridge said MCC was unable to enforce the closure of beaches across the LGA.
"For us to be able to do that they need to change the legislation to allow us to do that," he said.
"We can close them, but we can't control it; we can't enforce compliance."
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