Australians have been told time and time again to stay inside their homes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As if the risk of contracting or spreading a potentially deadly virus wasn’t enough to keep people indoors, state and territory police have warned offenders will cop a hefty fine if they’re out of their homes without a valid excuse.

So it’s beggar’s belief that cops have had to ask people four times to end a backyard party in South Australia.

The group of more than a dozen people, all aged between 32 and 57, walked away with a big fine in their pockets as a result.

Police have released a statement, saying: “On Tuesday 7 April and Wednesday 8 April police responded to noise complaints at a house on Main Street, Port Augusta.

“Police visited the address four times and on each occasion found a group of 13 people gathering in the back yard or inside the house. On the first three visits, police provided advice in relation to social distancing and prohibited gatherings.

“Just after 11.20am on Wednesday 8 April, when police attended the address for the fourth time, they found 13 people inside the lounge room of the house. Police issued a $1,060 fine to 11 of the people for participating in a prohibited gathering.”

They’re following up on two other people as well. It’s hard to believe that police had to ask more than once for the shindig to be shut down, let alone four times.

Hopefully, the partygoers all got the message.

Australians have been particularly warned about staying home over the Easter long weekend considering it’s usually a time for catching up with friends and family.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has begged people to maintain social distancing from everyone who lives outside of your own household.

That advice has been prevalent for weeks in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. But Mr Morrison says it’s more important than ever if we want to keep the infection rate low across the country.

“This Easter weekend will be incredibly important,” the Prime Minister told the country. “Stay at home.

“Failure to do so this weekend would completely undo everything we have achieved so far together – and potentially worse.”

If you want to hold a party with your family or mates, expect a visit from the police and probably some big fines.