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Covid check-in mandate expanded

Use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from Monday 12 July.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said expanding the mandate would give NSW Health contact tracers real-time access to QR code data from a greater number of venues including supermarkets, retail stores, gyms and offices.
“This is about keeping customers and staff safe and getting all businesses open again as soon as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
“We know the Delta variant of COVID-19 moves quickly and we must do everything we can to get it under control.
“While many retail businesses, including large supermarkets and hardware chains, have voluntarily adopted the Service NSW QR code, this measure will ensure check-in rates are high across the board and contact tracers have access to reliable records.”
From 12 July, these businesses will need to display the Service NSW QR code and take reasonable steps to ensure people entering their premises check-in using the Service NSW QR codes or digital sign-in sheet:

Retail businesses and supermarkets
Individual shops within shopping centres
Shopping centres will also be asked to display QR codes at entry points where practicable
Gyms
Offices, including call centres
Manufacturing and warehousing
Universities and TAFE
Schools including teachers and visitors (such as parents and contractors) but excluding students.

Businesses such as hospitality and hairdressers that were already using the Service NSW QR code will also need to ensure staff and visitors such as maintenance workers and delivery drivers check-in, when they resume services after the lockdown period.
Hospitality businesses will now need to extend the use of the Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in to all customers including takeaway orders.
Businesses that fail to comply with the new health order requirements may be subject to fines and in case of flagrant breaches, temporary closure orders.
“There is no excuse not to check-in everywhere you can – businesses and customers all have a part to play to keep NSW safe,” Mr Dominello said.
“In the same way customers routinely check into cafes, restaurants and bars, we need them to adopt the same approach when visiting a supermarket, retail store and workplace.
“Inspectors have been asked to monitor the situation alongside the NSW Police.”
The Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in is easy for customers to use from within the Service NSW app.
There are more than 5.2 million active users of the Service NSW app.
The data captured by the Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in is only used for the purposes of contact tracing by NSW Health. It is deleted after 28 days.
Businesses who need to register for the NSW Government QR code can find the application form and more information at https://www.nsw.gov.au/register-your-business-as-covid-safe
For visitors without a digital device, other check-in forms must be available.

Community reminded not to travel without valid excuse during lockdown

Two women are among 59 people issued with PINs for breaching a public health order yesterday, after being caught more than 200km from their homes, allegedly without a reasonable excuse.
Just after 2pm yesterday (Tuesday 29 June 2021), police stopped a vehicle on Torrens Avenue, the Entrance, as it displayed Queensland registration plates.
A subsequent check of the woman’s driver’s licence revealed she lived in the Shellharbour area. When police asked her why she was in the area, she confirmed she was aware of the public health order but was on holiday.
The woman was arrested and taken to Wyong Police Station where she was issued a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice for not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and charged with an outstanding arrest warrant.
She was refused bail to appear before Wyong Local Court today (Wednesday 30 June 2021).
About 12pm yesterday, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District spoke to a 26-year-old woman in the carpark of a hotel on Tomaree Street, Nelson Bay.
Police established the woman resided in Sydney’s CBD and that she was in the area to visit a friend.
She was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN and was directed to immediately return to Sydney.
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said now is not the time for people in locked down areas to be travelling around the state.
“Can I be clear about this, if you’re from any area covered under the public health order, we don’t want to see you away from your home without a valid reason,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
“Going on holiday is not a valid reason.
“Police are also concerned at the number of PINs we have issued for people not wearing masks on public transport. People need to know we will be out and about ensuring this is complied with.”
“It is imperative that everyone continues to follow the Public Health Orders and does not become complacent.”
In total, 59 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 43 were $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.

Detectives investigate armed robbery at Cardiff licenced premises

Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives are appealing for public assistance following an armed robbery at a licenced premises near Lake Macquarie last week.
About 4.10am last Friday (25 June 2021), two men – armed with a crowbar and a firearm – forced entry into a hotel at the corner of Main Road and Harrison Street at Cardiff.
The men allegedly confronted two employees demanding cash, before stealing alcohol and a laptop computer.
The men then fled the premises onto Harrison Street.
About 7am, the incident was reported to officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, who attended and established a crime scene.
Initial inquiries were conducted by local police, before detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took carriage of the investigation.
As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident, or who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time, to come forward.
Investigations are continuing.

The Academy continues in COVID-safe bubble

The CMAA Academy of Country Music staff members and Calrossy Anglican School are working together to ensure The Academy continues to run safely under new COVID-19 regulations.

The Academy is providing an intensive educational course to students and their parents from NSW, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.
Staff members met with Calrossy executive on Saturday, June 26, following further COVID-19 restrictions coming into force in NSW to ensure all regulations were followed and the community was kept safe. The Academy staff members and students have created a ‘bubble’ at Calrossy where they are not in contact with the general public and have all returned negative COVID-19 tests in the past week and have isolated since being tested. This bubble will be kept in place until The Academy concludes on Saturday, July 2.
“We are so grateful we can still come together for the 2021 Junior Academy course here in Tamworth,” Academy director Lyn Bowtell said.
“I am so proud of the way everyone has worked together to ensure our music education and business course can continue to run in these difficult times. This truly shows the resilience and dedication of our staff members, students and parents who have worked with us to ensure everyone’s safety.”
As the course is an educational institution running in a school, participants are able to sing and gather while following all NSW Government regulations.
However, these changes have meant special guests including The Bushwackers front man Dobe Newton, producer Simon Johnson, singer-songwriters Aleyce Simmonds and Catherine Britt, musician and artist Mickey Pye have presented their sessions to the parents and students via Zoom videoconferencing. Being the innovative creatives that musicians and music industry personnel are, using this technology and adapting to it has meant that the course participants still get the full gamut of experiences that The Academy offers.
The graduation concert will be closed to the public, but will be livestreamed via The Academy Facebook page at 8pm on Thursday, July 1.
Being able to come together as a safe and isolated group has also meant the world to staff members, students and parents as many have been unable to gather in person for nearly 18 months.
The last time The Academy ran in person was January 2020 with the senior course, and has since run as Academy X, an online version and these will continue to run as specialty courses delivered via Zoom.
The Academy personnel also thanked Calrossy Anglican School executives for working with them to run another successful Academy of Country Music.

Emergency leave extension for aged care residents

The Morrison Government is extending emergency leave arrangements for people living permanently in residential aged care who want to temporarily relocate with family to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19.
The 12-month extension means the emergency leave provisions are now in place until 30 June 2022.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the extension allows aged care residents to continue to take emergency leave during unpredictable COVID-19 outbreaks, rather than using their limited social leave entitlements.
“We want to provide certainty and reassurance to residents who wish to temporarily relocate and stay with family at times when COVID-19 is a risk in their aged care residence,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Morrison Government is providing two tiers of support available through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for people taking emergency leave.
“This includes personal care and nursing services, as well as entry level supports, such as meals and transport.”
Emergency leave provisions were introduced in May 2020, giving permanent aged care residents the option to take emergency leave during a declared emergency.
The entitlement was initially in place from 1 April 2020 to 30 September 2020 and has already been extended once to 30 June 2021.
Permanent aged care residents are usually entitled to up to 52 days of non-hospital related leave (social leave) within a financial year under the Aged Care Act 1997.
When residents take emergency leave they must continue to pay their basic daily fees, means tested care fees and daily accommodation fees, which is the same requirement when taking social leave.
During the leave period, the Australian Government continues to pay residential care subsidies, ensuring providers are not disadvantaged when residents take emergency leave.
More information on emergency leave and CHSP supports is available on the Department of Health website.

National Cabinet Statement

The National Cabinet met today to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, recent outbreaks of COVID-19 and the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy.
National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions for the health and economic consequences of COVID-19.
Across Australia a number of new community outbreaks have appeared in Greater Sydney, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Darwin region and the Perth-Peel region. Concerningly a number of these outbreaks are linked to the delta variant which has significantly higher transmissibility.
Health measures put in place by National Cabinet throughout the pandemic have been effective in bringing outbreaks under control and reducing the severity of the health impacts. While there are now over 270 active cases in Australia (166 in NSW, 45 in Vic, 40 in Qld, 9 in SA, 8 in NT, 3 in WA), there are only 2 cases in ICU and no Australian is on a ventilator.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 30,528 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 910 people have died. More than 20.4 million tests have been undertaken in Australia. Testing has increased nationally over recent days with 628,000 tests reported in the past 7 days.
Globally there have been over 181 million cases and sadly over 3.9 million deaths, with 318,555 new cases and 6,422 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to expand. To date 7,374,666 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including 48,346 doses in the previous 24 hours. In the previous 7 days, 783,925 vaccines have been administered in Australia. To date 28.6 per cent of the Australian population aged 16 and over have now had at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including over 68.1 per cent of over 70 year olds.
COVID-19 vaccinations are working to reduce transmission. National Cabinet noted that in a recent exposure event in NSW, of the 30 people that were at the event, 24 unvaccinated people have now tested positive for COVID, but six vaccinated people who attended the event have not been infected at this stage with the COVID-19 virus.
National Cabinet agreed on the imperative to work together to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to Australians as quickly as possible.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on current outbreaks of COVID-19 in a number of locations and of both the Alpha and Delta variants.
National Cabinet noted the importance of national coordination and that the Commonwealth Department of Health National Incident Centre will continue to coordinate action across Australia.
Lieutenant General John Frewen, Coordinator General of Operation COVID Shield, provided a detailed briefing on the vaccination program.
Lt General Frewen reaffirmed that all states and territories are provided COVID-19 vaccinations on a proportional population basis, as agreed by National Cabinet. To date over 10.8 million doses have been allocated to states and territories, general practices (GPs), Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and community pharmacies. Lt General Frewen noted that there are more than 2.6 million doses of AstraZeneca currently available to be administered. National Cabinet encouraged the 2.3 million Australians aged 60 years and over who have not yet been vaccinated to come forward and be vaccinated now.
Around 221,000 second doses of AstraZeneca were administered last week, the week after the latest ATAGI advice.
An additional 236 GPs have been brought online to administer COVID-19 vaccines, bringing the total number of GPs administering the vaccine to 5,085 across Australia. Community pharmacists are also being bought online to support the rollout in regional Australia.
National Cabinet noted that Lt General Frewen will commence a wargaming process with states and territories to ensure that the distribution channels and access points are sufficient once the supply of vaccines further increases.
National Cabinet agreed to meet next on Friday 2 July 2021.
Mandatory Vaccinations for Aged Care Workers
The National Cabinet agreed to mandate that at least the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine be administered by mid-September 2021 for all residential aged care workforce.
The National Cabinet agreed that COVID-19 vaccinations are to be mandated for residential aged care workers as a condition of working in an aged care facility through shared state, territory and Commonwealth authorities and compliance measures.
This is the third time AHPPC has considered this matter. They will continue to look at the issue to ensure we do not encounter any unintended consequences as an outcome of this decision.
The Commonwealth will support this decision though an employee vaccination support grant.
Residential Aged Care COVID-19 Employee Vaccination Support Grant
Residential aged care workers will be supported to be vaccinated through an $11 million program to enable them to attend off-site vaccination centres and GPs.
Under the grant, Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) will be paid for the following three categories of eligible expenditure:

Casual staff going off-site for vaccination – a flat fee of $80 payable per staff member, per dose;
Paid leave for casual staff who become unwell after vaccination and do not have other leave entitlements – one day’s paid leave (at a rate of $185) for up to a quarter of the provider’s total number of casual staff; and
Facilitation of off-site vaccination for employees – up to $500 per site in flexible vaccination facilitation costs per site, which may be used for activities like: transport services, arranging groups of staff to be vaccinated and or any other reasonable expenses that incentivise staff to get vaccinated.

Quarantine
National Cabinet agreed to changes to Australia’s quarantine arrangements based on AHPPC advice:

National Cabinet endorsed the AHPPC advice: Minimising the risk of transmission from high risk international travellers in managed quarantine facilities
The AHPPC recommends accommodating international quarantine residents, or other high infectious risk quarantine residents, separately from other lower risk residents. This may involve designating different facilities or zoning through allocating separate areas in a facility (i.e. designated floors for international or other high risk travellers). In the event that international quarantine residents share a facility, zoning may be implemented by putting groups in cohorts according to level of risk and ensuring that staff do not work across zones.
National Cabinet endorsed the AHPPC advice: Testing travellers once they leave managed quarantine, and requested that AHPPC work on implementation to mandate post quarantine testing and specifications for this.

AHPPC reinforced advice that all travellers leaving managed quarantine must get tested and isolate until they receive a negative test result if they develop symptoms at any time in the 14 days after leaving quarantine.
AHPPC agreed that all international travellers should get tested at days 16 or 17 following quarantine, if there have been potential exposure sources within the quarantine facility, regardless of whether they have symptoms. Options are being explored to support post-quarantine testing at the national level. AHPPC will continue to explore the management of persons post-quarantine to reduce the risk to the community whilst testing is being undertaken.
National Cabinet endorsed the AHPPC advice: Vaccinating and testing quarantine workers to require vaccinations and testing for quarantine workers including those involved in transportation.
Protecting quarantine workers is an essential part of reducing the risk of transmission and incursion into the community. The primary mechanisms through which this can be achieved is vaccinating all quarantine workers and undertaking regular routine testing of workers to identify transmission events should they occur.
Vaccinations: All quarantine workers and their household contacts are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
All quarantine workers should be strongly encouraged to undergo vaccination, and jurisdictions may implement requirements for quarantine workers to receive vaccinations. This includes those directly employed in quarantine facilities under Commonwealth, state or private arrangements. Importantly, this also includes anyone who works in a red zone.
Given recent incursions, Delta variants and the current epidemiology of clusters occurring around Australia, the AHPPC recommends mandatory vaccination for all quarantine workers.
Testing: In November 2020, the AHPPC recommended regular testing of quarantine workers. In response to the increasing risk posed by Variants of Concern, since February 2021, daily testing of quarantine workers has been implemented nationally. However, to date this has been limited to those directly involved in managed quarantine programs.
In response to lessons learned from recent transmission events, current epidemiology and discussion through the Continuous Improvement Framework, the AHPPC recommends extending this requirement to all workers directly and indirectly involved in managed quarantine. This includes workers involved in transport of quarantined individuals.
National Cabinet agreed that travellers who have been through 14 days hotel quarantine in one jurisdiction will be able to enter another jurisdiction without having to go through another 14 days quarantine. These travellers will still be required to take a post quarantine COVID-19 test at day 16 or 17.

National Cabinet further reaffirmed that managed quarantine for international arrivals continues to play a vital role in Australia’s public health response to COVID-19. Through the Continuous Improvement Framework, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) regularly considers lessons learned in managed quarantine including the outcomes of evaluations, audits and reviews. This supports a process of continuous quality improvement in line with the National Principles for Managed Quarantine.
Indemnity arrangements for COVID-19 vaccinations
National Cabinet noted that the Commonwealth will establish a COVID-19 professional indemnity scheme to provide additional certainty to healthcare practitioners who are providing advice to people in relation to COVID-19 vaccination. The scheme covers COVID-19 vaccines approved by the TGA and approved for use in the vaccine program.
National Cabinet noted that GPs can continue to administer AstraZeneca to Australians under 60 years of age with informed consent and that this measure will provide confidence to medical practitioners to administer both AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines to Australians.
Aviation, interstate freight transport and mining (FIFO) workers
National Cabinet agreed to seek advice from AHPPC on COVID-19 vaccinations for aviation, interstate freight transport and mining (FIFO) workers.

Scholarship to honour Meg Purser’s passion for communications and community

Local businesswoman Meg Purser, who passed away in January, will be honoured with a new annual tertiary scholarship by City of Newcastle.
The Meg Purser Communications Scholarship will help support a talented communications student who demonstrates the same community-focused qualities Meg was much loved for.
It is proposed to provide $5,000 to an undergraduate student completing the second year of their Communications degree at the University of Newcastle. A new recipient will be named each year for three years under the suggested initial funding arrangement.
Councillors will vote on the establishment of the scholarship at tonight’s Council meeting.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the scholarship was a fitting tribute to a woman who touched so many lives across Newcastle before her passing in January this year following an 18-month battle with breast cancer.
“Meg was strong, brave and an incredibly dedicated professional communicator and executive, with a spirit for life and passion for her work that I’ll always remember,” Cr Nelmes said.
“She touched the lives of so many across Newcastle and beyond.
“We at City of Newcastle were fortunate to work closely with her in 2020 to re-establish the Business Improvement Associations and she was always generous with her time, wisdom and expertise.
“With the blessing of Meg’s father Bob, we want to establish this inaugural scholarship to honour the significant contribution Meg made to the corporate communications community and recognise her passion for the many local community organisations and charities she supported.
“The scholarship will provide support to students who, like Meg, are committed to their local communities and are striving to make a difference in the corporate communications field, working tirelessly for little personal gain.”
Meg is remembered for her charitable and behind-the-scenes work for organisations such as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Hunter Breast Screen and Got Your Back Sista.
Bob Purser worked side-by-side with his daughter for many years at Purser Corporate Communications and said she was always passionate about helping others.
“Scott Mills, Meg’s husband, and the family are both delighted and honoured by this way of acknowledging Meg’s contribution to Newcastle,” Mr Purser said.
“There was little she enjoyed more than helping young communicators launch their careers. She would have been thrilled but also a little surprised by this initiative of Council.”

Construction begins on wheely big bike hub

Construction has started on Australia’s largest combined BMX and mountain biking hub in Western Sydney Parklands, which will host national competitions and become a major sporting hub in Western Sydney.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the $13.5 million, 86-hectare Wylde BMX and Mountain Bike Facility was being delivered by the NSW Government and Liverpool City Council and led by the new Greater Sydney Parklands agency.
“Mountain bikers and BMX riders will soon be enjoying the biggest pump track in the Southern Hemisphere, which has a looped sequence of rollers and swoopy turns designed to maximise momentum,” Mr Stokes said.
“Western Sydney Parklands is fast-becoming Sydney’s most-loved cycling and biking hub with it’s incredible 60km network of tracks and trails.
“And with this stunning facility as an addition, I have no doubt it will attract people from all over Sydney and the whole of Australia.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the new Wylde facility will be an improvement on the original facility, which attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually.
“When plans for the M12 were drawn up it created an opportunity to build a bigger and better Wylde facility and a new adventure precinct within the parklands,” Mr Constance said.
“Drivers will be getting better road connections to Western Sydney Airport and park users will be getting the best community bike facility in the country.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the sporting hub would further enhance leisure and lifestyle options for residents of and visitors to Western Sydney.
“This facility is a welcome addition to the mix of sporting and outdoor activities in Western Sydney and yet another example of our region getting it’s fair share of investment upgrades to important community facilities,” Mr Ayres said.
Liverpool City Council Mayor Wendy Waller said it would become a unique destination in the heart of southwest Sydney.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Greater Sydney Parklands on this wonderful new community asset, which will allow the return of BMX racing to Liverpool following the closure of the Powell Park track in 2016,” Ms Waller said.
The new Wylde BMX and Mountain Bike Facility is expected to be open by December 2021. The first five new mountain bike trails will be open to ride from Saturday 3 July, weather permitting.
For more information, visit www.westernsydneyparklands.com.au

$8.6 million to build a safer future for survivors

More domestic violence victim-survivors will benefit from enhanced frontline support thanks to a funding boost for 45 service providers across the state.
The NSW and Federal Governments today announced the recipients of the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Infrastructure Grant Program, allocating service providers a share in $8.6 million to help more victim-survivors access critical help.
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the investment would fund 50 projects including upgrades at women’s shelters and new crisis accommodation with enhanced security.
“Our dedicated frontline services and their workers have been facing even greater challenges as a result of COVID-19,” Mr Speakman said.
“This funding will allow those providers to renovate kitchens and bathrooms, repair plumbing and roofing damage, improve counselling areas, and most importantly to offer more women a safe space and life-saving assistance when fleeing domestic violence.”
Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the additional funding from the Commonwealth through its COVID-19 domestic violence response package meant many service providers would be able to undergo refurbishments including to become accessible for people with a disability.
“Other grant recipients will install audio-visual equipment allowing survivors to give evidence from a secure environment, which is crucial in regional and remote settings,” Senator Ruston said.
Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW, said the funding will help vulnerable people across the state who can face extra barriers when escaping unsafe homes.
“I support this funding, and the tireless work of these 45 providers who are making a big difference to families in crisis,” Ms Donovan said.
“This program is going to help improve so many frontline services across a range of works like building or purchasing more accommodation, replacing playground equipment for kids, security-related works, upgrading counselling rooms, and enhancing amenities to support vulnerable women and children.”
Today’s announcement follows a $90 million budget boost to support women and children impacted by domestic violence announced as part of the NSW Budget this month.
For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491).

Travel company in breach of Public Health Order after trip to zoo

A travel company has been issued a $5000 PIN for breaching a public health order after taking three busloads of tourists to a zoo in the state’s west yesterday.
About 9.30am (Monday 28 June 2021), three buses arrived at the zoo on Obley Road, Dubbo.
On board were 128 staff and guests – at least 76 of whom were not permitted to travel outside Greater Sydney under the current public health order.
Staff at the zoo refused to allow the travellers off the buses and police were called.
Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District attended and spoke to tour operators, establishing the group had left Sydney last Friday (25 June 2021) and had continued to travel throughout regional NSW after the Public Health Orders were updated on Saturday.
The guests were directed to return home immediately and the tour company has been issued a $5000 PIN.
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said the company owner told police he was aware of the public health orders but decided to continue the tour as planned anyway.
“But the staff at the zoo did exactly the right thing – they isolated the risk and alerted police. They did a great job to protect the local community,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
Investigations into further possible breaches are continuing.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said now was a crucial time for our state and it was disappointing to see people continuing to breach the health orders.
“I would appeal to everyone to not only follow the rules but use your common sense and do your bit to help NSW beat this virus,” Minister Elliott said.
In other incidents, a man and woman have been charged with offences including assault after they allegedly refused to check in with a QR code when entering a restaurant at Forster.
About 7.15pm yesterday (Monday 28 June 2021), the couple attended the Wharf Street restaurant and were asked by staff to sign in using the QR code.
They refused and were informed they would have to leave if they did not comply. It is alleged the man again refused and picked up a bottle of water and threw it against a wall, smashing it.
The man was escorted from the restaurant and it is further alleged the man punched the owner, a 39-year-old man.
The woman allegedly bit a 44-year-old man who was attempting to intervene, causing bleeding and bruising to his bicep.
The owner sustained facial injuries and a suspected broken nose and was taken to Manning Base Hospital.
The man and woman left the restaurant; however, officers from Manning/Great Lakes Police District arrested both a short time later, and took them to Forster Police Station.
The 34-year-old man was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, intimidation and malicious damage.
The 27-year-old woman was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. They were granted conditional bail and are expected to appear in Forster Local Court on Wednesday 28 July 2021.
They were each issued $1000 PINs for fail to comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
In total, 34 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 16 were $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.