Australia tightens quarantine rules to combat coronavirus, warns of fines

FILE PHOTO: A lone man sits on the mostly deserted steps of the Sydney Opera House, in Australia, March 26, 2020. REUTERS/Loren Elliott

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australian troops will begin on Saturday taking citizens returning from overseas to compulsory quarantine places to prevent spread of the coronavirus, as Victoria officials closed beaches on a warm autumn day amid public resistance, warning of fines.

The compulsory self-isolation for travellers in hotels and other lodgings across Australia comes as the country gradually tightens its social distancing rules, which have so far confused many.