A few hours after a mayor in Australia told everyone via Facebook to keep washing their hands, social distancing, and staying at home, the gentleman was fined (USD) $1,043 for chatting with a group of people on a sidewalk. In other words, for not following his own rules on social distancing. Police also issued him a warning for drinking in public.

.@WarrnamboolCity mayor Tony Herbert has been fined by @VictoriaPolice for breaching COVID-19 laws. Was snapped drinking a beer on the city's main street last week. Herbert says he thought engaging with business owners as part of mayoral role was within law @abcmelbourne pic.twitter.com/pGbXn8TNM0

 Daniel Miles (@danielmiles) April 16, 2020

Oops. Mayor Tony Herbert apologized for his "mistake."

"I realize that I had inadvertently breached the new laws to keep the community safe. I am genuinely sorry for my actions."

Read the full story at BBC. Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/04/16/australian-mayor-fined-for-dri.html