Yahoo News Group of Australians fined over £5,000 for holding backyard barbecue during coronavirus lockdown
A group of more than a dozen Australians were fined a total of more than A$11,000 (£5,500) for holding a backyard party during the coronavirus lockdown.
The party, which took place on Wednesday in the city of Port Augusta in South Australia, consisted of a group of more than twelve people, all aged between 32 and 57.
Officers had to ask them four times to end the gathering.
Police in Australia have warned that people outside their homes without a valid excuse will receive a heavy fine.
Police said in statement: "On Tuesday 7 April and Wednesday 8 April police responded to noise complaints at a house on Main Street, Port Augusta.
"Police visited the address four times and on each occasion found a group of 13 people gathering in the back yard or inside the house. On the first three visits, police provided advice in relation to social distancing and prohibited gatherings.
"Just after 11.20am on Wednesday 8 April, when police attended the address for the fourth time, they found 13 people inside the lounge room of the house. Police issued a $1,060 fine to 11 of the people for participating in a prohibited gathering."
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged people to stay home when possible and maintain social distancing when outside. Public gatherings have been limited to two people.
"This Easter weekend will be incredibly important," Mr Morrison said. "Stay at home.
"Failure to do so this weekend would completely undo everything we have achieved so far together - and potentially worse."
The first Covid-19 case in Australia was recorded in Victoria on January 25 2020.
More than 6,000 people in Australia have been since confirmed infected with Covid-19, and 51 people have died from the disease.
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