For weeks, Sydney’s beach lovers have had to stay away from the sand and surf.

But starting Monday, some beaches in the city’s eastern suburbs will be open for “exercise purposes only,” according to the local authorities.

Randwick City Council said Coogee, Maroubra and Clovelly beaches would reopen for activities including “sand jogging and walking, swimming, surfing and other exercise activities.”

Three weeks ago, all Randwick City beaches were closed to discourage large groups congregating at the beach.

“Living along the coast, I know how important our beaches are to the mental and physical health of so many in the community,” said Mayor Danny Said.
“The past three weeks have been difficult as we’ve all had to make changes and sacrifices to our daily routines.”
Not back to normal: Even though beachgoers are allowed back, they must maintain a distance of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) between each other, limit groups to two people and move on once they have completed their exercise. Sitting or sun-bathing on the sand will not be permitted, the council said in a news release.

Additionally, two beaches on Queensland’s Gold Coast — Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta — reopened on Monday.