Helicopters Tell Residents In Sydney To Go Home Amid Lockdown Extension

Helicopters have flown over Sydney ordering residents to stay inside as the country extended the lockdown in the city.

The Australian government has enlisted the help of helicopters and the armed forces to urge people to stay indoors, amid coronavirus outbreaks.

Last week the New South Wales state government announced Sydney would be staying in lockdown until at least August 28.

But the news of the lockdown extension was not welcomed by everyone and police were forced to close down a planned protest in Sydney.

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In an attempt to shut down similar scenes that had taken place at previous anti-lockdown protests, the police were out in force to ensure everyone who was outside during the restrictions had a good reason to be there.

Minister for Health and Medical Research of New South Wale Brad Hazzard said: "We live in a democracy and normally I am certainly one who supports people's rights to protest.

"But at the present time we've got cases going through the roof and we have people thinking that's OK to get out there and possibly be close to each other at a demonstration."

State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was as 'upset' as anyone that restrictions had to be extended but stressed that growing case numbers were a concern.

Speaking during a press conference Berejiklian said: "I am as upset and frustrated as all of you that we were not able to get the case numbers we would have liked at this point in time but that is the reality."

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And as well as taking a strong stance on anti-lockdown protestors, footage shared on social media shows police helicopters warning people at parks and beaches to return to home.

One clip, filmed at Gordon's Bay at Clovelly in Sydney's east, warned day-trippers they could be whacked with a fine if they didn't return to their homes.

The police chopper broadcasted the message: "Will everyone congregating in Gordon's Bay please move on.

"The local police have been notified and will be attending shortly.

"Anyone breaching the public health order will be issued a fine."

Topics: Australia

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19