The closure is temporary and the measure will extend to other beaches if social distancing advice is being flouted.

Bondi Beach is to be closed as the state government cracks down to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

It is understood Police Minister David Elliott insisted on the move after thousands of beachgoers again defied the social distancing order by gathering at the popular tourist spot for a second day. Other beaches with similar crowds may follow.

Waverley mayor Paula Masselos was on Saturday forced to issue a public plea for people to stay indoors amid the coronavirus pandemic and away from beaches. Thousands flocked to Bondi Beach on Friday amid temperatures in the high 30s, with pictures of packed beaches going viral online.

Photos of beachgoers ignoring social distancing measures have been harshly criticised by foreign media and on social media as the world attempts to slow the spread of the deadly virus.

“The public must at all times keep a minimum safe distance from each other in public places and if you don’t need to be out in public, please consider staying at home,” Mr Masselos said.

“We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and I am frustrated that people continue to ignore health advice about social distancing as observed yesterday at Bondi Beach.” Mr Masselos asked for people to heed advice from NSW health including practising social distancing and following hygiene rules.

“No-one is immune to COVID-19 and behaving irresponsibly puts the entire community at risk,” Mr Masselos said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters in Melbourne that local councils needed to ensure people were observing health and safety measures.“What happened in Bondi was unacceptable and the local council must take steps to stop that occurring,” Mr Hunt said.

An 81-year-old NSW woman was the latest to die from the illness after being in close contact with a confirmed case from Ryde Hospital – taking the state’s death toll to six.