Sydney councils are continuing to shut beaches and urging those wanting to exercise to stay away from busy coastal walking tracks during the Easter long weekend.

Amid warnings for residents to stay home in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus, councils and police have intensified patrols at beaches, parks, and common exercise routes from Dee Why to Cronulla.

Beaches at Cronulla in Sydney's south are closed until midnight on Monday, in a bid to deter crowds during the weekend. Credit:Rhett Wyman

Sydney's busiest beaches were thrust into the spotlight after thousands of people flocked to Bondi as the state government tried to enforce social distancing measures.

This weekend's closures affect the majority of beaches from Dee Why and Manly in the north, to Bondi and Coogee in the east, and south to Sans Souci and South Cronulla. Many are set to reopen at midnight on Monday.