Category: NSW News

Police have issued 12 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs), and issued more than 50 warnings for breaches of the Public Health Act.
Police issued fines to 11 people, with one man receiving PINs on successive days.
Details of the PINS issued include,
• Just before 4.30pm on Tuesday (5 January 2020), officers attached to Police Transport Command (PTC) approached a man without a face covering at Blacktown Train Station. The man told police he didn’t have a mask and had no intention of getting one. The man was issued a $200 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN). About 9.45am yesterday (Wednesday 6 January 2021), PTC officers approached the man, who was again at Blacktown Train Station and not wearing a mask. He allegedly swore at police and said he does not wear masks. He was issued a second $200 PIN and given a move-on direction.
• Officers from Cumberland Police Area Command were called to a shopping centre at Merrylands about 9.30am following reports a man was verbally abusing security and staff. On arrival, police were told the 60-year-old man had been asked to put a mask on, which he refused to do, and became aggressive before security directed him to leave. As he was being escorted from the centre, the man struggled with a security officer before they both fell to the ground. While no injuries were reported, the man requested to be taken to Auburn Hospital, where he again refused to wear a face mask. He was issued a $200 PIN.
• Just before 9.30am, a 68-year-old man allegedly entered a hardware store at Blacktown without a face mask. A security guard and a police officer approached the man and directed him to wear a mask; however, he refused. He also refused to show police identification. He was arrested and taken to Blacktown Police Station so police could conduct further inquiries. The man was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
• About 10.20am, officers from PTC spoke with a 45-year-old man who was drinking alcohol on a train near Panania. The man was escorted from the train and checks revealed the man had previously been warned about not wearing a face mask while on public transport. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN and an infringement for drinking alcohol on public transport.
• Police were conducting proactive patrols at a shopping centre at Bass Hill about 2.45pm when they approached a 38-year-old man in a supermarket who was not wearing a face mask. The man told police he had been at the gym and left his mask in the car. While speaking with police, another man approached and gave him a face mask, but police allege the man refused to put it on. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
• About 3.25pm, officers from PTC approached a 54-year-old man, who was not wearing a face mask, at Glenfield Train Station. The man told officers that a mask won’t work because he has a beard. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
• Officers from PTC approached a 44-year-old man as he alighted from a train at Glenfield Train Station about 5.30pm, after noticing he was not wearing a face mask. The man told officers he didn’t have a mask despite knowing he needed to wear one. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
• PTC officers approached a 38-year-old woman who was smoking while waiting on a platform at Campbelltown Train Station about 6.30pm. She was advised that it was an offence to smoke in the area and also an offence not to wear a face mask. After checks revealed the woman did not have a valid Opal card, she was issued a $200 PIN and two further infringements for smoking and fare evasion.
• Just after 9.30pm, officers from PTC approached an 18-year-old woman who was not wearing a face mask on the concourse at Glenfield Train Station. The woman ignored police and continued to walk away but had to stop to wait on the platform. She told officers that she didn’t have a mask and just wanted to catch the train. Police subsequently issued her with a $200 PIN.
• Officers from PTC were patrolling a train near Mt Druitt about 3.20pm, when they spoke to a 50-year-old man who was not wearing a face mask. After the man stated he left his mask at home and did not have a valid ticket, he was issued a $200 PIN and an infringement for fare evasion.
• About 10pm, officers attached to PTC were conducting patrols on trains travelling on the Airport and South Line when they approached a 24-year-old man who was not wearing a mask. When asked why, the man stated he didn’t need to wear one. He was issued a $200 PIN.
Police also issued more than 50 warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.
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 with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
 

Two people have been charged after police were allegedly assaulted during a COVID-19 compliance check in Sydney’s west.
About midnight (Thursday 7 January 2021), officers from Auburn Police Area Command attended a home on Amy Street, Regents Park, to conduct a compliance check on a 39-year-old man.
On arrival, it’s alleged the man verbally abused police before threatening them.
Additional police attended and the man was arrested after allegedly resisting five officers.
During the incident, a 20-year-old woman, known to the man, allegedly hindered police and assaulted a male senior constable.
They were both arrested and taken to Auburn Police Station where the man was charged with intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm and resist of hinder police officer in the execution of duty.
The woman was charged with two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm.
They have both been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Thursday 7 January 2021).

Police have taken legal action against eight people, including a man who allegedly attempted to leave hotel quarantine without satisfying the requirements under the Public Health Act.
Just after 8am yesterday (Tuesday 5 January 2021), police performing hotel quarantine duties at a hotel on Elizabeth Street, Sydney, were called to assist with a guest attempting to leave his room.
Officers were told the 43-year-old man, who arrived in Sydney from Los Angeles on Wednesday 23 December 2020, had refused COVID testing during his quarantine period and was therefore required to complete a further 10 days in hotel quarantine.
It’s alleged the man challenged police in the hallway and questioned police powers under the Public Health Act before the officers physically escorted back to his room.
Additional security officers were allocated to the floor to ensure the man complied with the quarantine order.
Following further inquiries, the Queensland man was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 6 January 2021).
In a separate incident overnight, a man has been issued a $1,000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) following a gathering at a home in Guildford.
About 10.45pm (Tuesday 5 January 2021), officers attached to Cumberland Police Area Command attended a home on Clement Street and discovered a house party with between 30 and 40 guests in attendance.
Police were told the group had earlier been playing loud drums in the backyard.
The homeowner, a 23-year-old man, was issued a $1,000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. Inquiries are continuing.
Meanwhile, six people have also been fined for allegedly not wearing masks across Greater Sydney up until 5pm yesterday (Tuesday 5 January 2021).
– Officers from Police Transport Command (PTC) spoke with a 27-year-old man who was not wearing a face mask about 7.15am, as part of patrols on a Western Line train. The man stated he was in a hurry and didn’t have a face mask. He was issued a $200 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
– About 1pm, PTC officers spoke to a 24-year-old man who was not wearing a mask on a Southern Line train. He told police he had some at home but forgot. He was issued a $200 PIN. The man was again spoken to by police at 2.20pm at Sydenham Railway Station, where he was given a warning and told to get a mask before boarding another train.
– PTC officers were patrolling Campsie Railway Station about 4.30pm, when they approached a 20-year-old man who was not wearing a mask. The man said he had taken it off while on the train before questioning police powers. He was issued a $200 PIN.
– A 23-year-old man was approached by PTC officers at Sydney Railway Station about 2.40pm, after he was observed riding a scooter on the platform after getting off a train. Despite being told not to ride on the platform, the man – who was not wearing a face mask – continued to ride the scooter. The man eventually stopped and put a mask over his face. Inquiries revealed he didn’t have an opal card and while being moved on from the area, the man removed his face covering. He was subsequently issued a $200 PIN as well as infringements for travelling without a valid ticket and riding the scooter on the platform.
– About 4.30pm, officers attached to PTC approached a 27-year-old woman who was not wearing a face mask at Campsie Railway Station. The woman became aggressive with police and was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
Police also issued 29 warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.
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 with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Police have charged one person and fined two others who allegedly breached a Public Heath Order by not wearing a mask in public areas yesterday.
About 9.30am (Monday 4 January 2021), officers from Burwood Police Area Command stopped a man on The Boulevarde, Strathfield, after they allegedly saw him steal an energy drink from a nearby grocery store.
Police spoke to the man, who had taken off his mask, and told him he was under arrest for shoplifting.
During this time, the man allegedly refused to properly wear his mask and became aggressive with officers.
He allegedly verbally threatened police before being arrested and taken to Burwood Police Station, where he was charged with shoplifting, resist officer in execution of duty, two counts of intimidate police officer in execution of duty, and not wear fitted face covering in retail/business premises.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Tuesday 5 January 2020).
Two people were issued Penalty Infringement Notices for allegedly not wearing masks across Sydney up until 5pm yesterday (Monday 4 January 2021):

• About 12.20pm, officers from Police Transport Command (PTC) stopped a 35-year-old man who was allegedly not wearing a mask at Seven Hills Railway Station. Officers attempted to issue the man a warning a number of times however he allegedly swore at police and told them to fine him. The man was issued a $200 PIN.

• About 3pm, officers saw a 39-year-old man allegedly not wearing a mask at a shopping centre on Church Street, Parramatta. The man had allegedly been warned about not wearing a mask earlier in the day. He was issued a PIN.

Police also issued more than 25 official warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.

Police have issued a licensee a $5000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) after a Fairfield venue allegedly breached a Public Health Order.
Officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command, licensing police and South West Metropolitan Operations Support Group attended a venue on Spencer Street, Fairfield, about 9.30pm on Saturday (2 January 2021) after concerns were raised about the number of guests at a wedding.
Police observed a large group at the location and spoke to the venue operator, a 46-year-old man. He was advised a number of guests would be required to leave, which he complied with.
Following further inquiries, the licensee of the venue attended Fairfield Police Station yesterday afternoon (Sunday 3 January 2021).
He was issued a $5000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction s7/8/9-COVID-19-Corporation.
Separately, three individuals have also been fined in recent days for breaching the Public Health Order:
– A 27-year-old Cronulla woman has received two PINs in three days for failing to self-isolate as required under the Public Health Act. Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District attended a resort at Byron Bay about 8.30pm on Thursday (31 December 2020), after receiving information in relation a possible breach of public health orders. Police were told the woman had been notified she was a close contact of a positive COVID case but was not self-isolating and had not been tested. The woman was provided advice about testing facilities and self-isolation before being given PPE to assist with safe travel to the facility. Officers returned to the resort about 8pm the following day (Friday 1 January 2021), and found the woman was not self-isolating. The woman was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the direction under S7/8/9 of the Public Health Act. About 3.30pm yesterday (Sunday 3 January 2021), police were again called to resort after reports the woman was not self-isolating, instead swimming in the resort pool. Following inquiries, the woman was issued with another $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the direction under S7/8/9 of the Public Health Act.
– Two people have been issued PINs after leaving their Northern Beaches home to holiday on the state’s north coast. On Saturday (3 January 2021), police were notified that a man and woman, both aged 32, had left their Collaroy home the previous day to travel to Yamba for a holiday. Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District spoke with the pair and determined they didn’t have a lawful excuse for leaving their home and, in doing so, had breached the Public Health (COVID-19 Northern Beaches) Order. Both were issued an $1000 PIN.
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 with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Given the risk of COVID-19 transmission on the Northern Beaches and across Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), the following adjustments are being made.
From midnight tonight, the southern zone of the Northern Beaches will be subject to the same restrictions as Greater Sydney.
Restrictions for the northern zone of the Northern Beaches remain the same with stay at home orders in place until 9 January 2021;

• No visitors to the home.
• Five northern zone residents can gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone.
• Non-essential businesses remain closed.

Given the general risk in Greater Sydney, new measures are required to reduce the transmission potential of COVID-19 while maintaining economic activity.
The following measures for Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains) are effective from midnight tonight;

• Face masks will be mandatory in the following indoor settings: shopping (retail, supermarkets and shopping centres), public/shared transport, indoor entertainment (including cinemas and theatres), places of worship, hair and beauty premises. Face masks will also be mandatory for all staff in hospitality venues and casinos and for patrons using gaming services. Compliance will start from Monday, 4 January 2021 with $200 on the spot fines for individuals for non-compliance. Children under 12 are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
• Gym classes reduced to 30 people.
• Places of worship and religious services limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people per separate area.
• Weddings and funerals limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people.
• Outdoor performances and protests reduced to 500 people.
• Controlled, outdoor gatherings (seated, ticketed, enclosed) reduced to 2,000 people.
• Night clubs not permitted.

People are still encouraged to limit non-essential gatherings and reduce their mobility where possible to further minimise the risk of transmission in the community.
Whilst these measures do not apply to areas outside Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), we urge all residents and visitors across the State to practise COVID safe behaviours and get tested even if symptoms are mild.
We thank the community for their patience and understanding.
Our priority is always to protect the health and safety of the community.

Given the current situation on the Northern Beaches and increasing concern about transmission of COVID-19 in other parts of Greater Sydney (which includes Wollongong) new restrictions will be in place on New Year’s Eve.
This decision has been made taking into account updated health advice from Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant.
For New Year’s Eve in Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains) the following will apply;

• Household gatherings will be limited to 5 visitors (including children).
• The limit for outdoor gatherings will be reduced from 50 to 30.

Restrictions for the northern zone of the Northern Beaches remain the same but for the southern zone of the Northern Beaches the following will now apply;

• Household gatherings will be limited to 5 visitors from within your zone (including children).

These changes come into effect from midnight tonight (Wednesday 30 December) and will be in place until further notice.
People are encouraged to limit non-essential gatherings over the New Year period where possible to further minimise the risk of transmission in the community.
We thank the community for their patience.
Our priority is always to keep the community safe.
We are watching the emerging situation closely and will update the community accordingly should any further changes be required.

Hospitality businesses and hairdressers are being reminded to download and use the NSW Government’s Service NSW QR code for registrations, or risk serious penalties, with the new rules taking effect from 1 January, 2021.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Government’s Service NSW QR code system is fast, free, accurate and private.
“The consequences of non-compliance and complacency when it comes to electronic record keeping are serious – it puts people’s health at risk and destroys jobs,” Mr Dominello said.
“The feedback we’ve received from contact tracers is that the Service NSW QR code is the most effective system in assisting NSW Health to protect the community.
“Our QR code also prevents the use of fake names as a customer’s personal details are automatically captured via the Service NSW app when they scan their smartphone over the QR code.
“We must be vigilant and cannot rest on our laurels. Businesses are already required to have electronic registrations and this move will strengthen our resilience further.
“Non-compliance is easy to detect and won’t be tolerated. Pursuant to the Public Health Orders you either have the Service NSW QR code or you don’t. There will be no ifs or buts. Penalties include $5,000 on-the-spot fines, followed by a week’s closure and month’s closure if problems continue.
“About 50,000 NSW Government QR codes are being used by businesses and more than 2 millioncustomers having scanned one of our QR codes, with 94 per cent giving it the thumbs up.”
Mr Dominello encouraged customers to download the Service NSW app prior to the new rules taking effect on 1 January, 2021.
“It only takes minutes to do and seconds for businesses to check, which helps keep people safe and the economy open,” Mr Dominello said.
Businesses are also required to ensure that they have sighted the customers’ green tick prior to entry to comply with the orders.
Personal information obtained by businesses will be held securely by the Government and only used by NSW Health in the event of an outbreak. It will be destroyed after 28 days.
Customers without a smartphone will be able to register at businesses via other digital devices, such as an electronic form on a tablet.
The Government will consider expanding the mandate to other industries later in the new year and will keep the community informed.

The NSW Government has today outlined arrangements for a COVID-Safe New Year’s Eve fireworks and updated its advice on COVID-Safe restrictions for the Northern Beaches and Greater Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said today’s decision was necessary based on the latest health advice and the evolving Northern Beaches cluster.
“My strong message to everyone in Greater Sydney this year is to watch the fireworks on TV,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are also asking for a little more time from residents to help us stamp out this outbreak, especially if they live on the Northern Beaches.”
The following arrangements will be introduced from midnight tonight (Monday, December 28):

For New Year’s Eve Celebrations:

• The CBD frontline worker fireworks vantage point offering is cancelled. Frontline workers will be offered another opportunity in 2021.
• Hospitality venues will remain open but must adhere to the one person per four square metres rule.
• Council events may continue but they must be controlled and seated with no mingling, and record keeping requirements must be strictly adhered to.
• A short, seven minute fireworks display will continue at midnight.

Unless you have a New Year’s Eve Pass through Service NSW, you will not be able to enter designated zones around Circular Quay, North Sydney and the City.

For the Northern Beaches peninsula zone (North of Narrabeen Bridge, and east of the Baha’i Temple), the following rules apply until January 9:

• The health situation remains volatile and the current restrictions will remain in place to supress community transmission.
• However, indoor and outdoor gatherings will be allowed for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day but will be restricted to five visitors in total from within your zone (and includes at homes).
• Current arrangements allowing five people to gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone, continues.
• No restaurants, cafes, pubs or clubs (except for takeaway) will be permitted to open, including for New Year’s Eve.

 

For the remainder (southern zone) of the Northern Beaches, the following rules apply until January 2:

• The health situation remains volatile and the current restrictions will remain in place to supress community transmission.
• However, indoor and outdoor gatherings will be allowed for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day but will be restricted to 10 visitors in total from within your zone (and includes at homes).
• Current arrangements allowing 10 people to gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone, continues.
• No restaurants, cafes, pubs or clubs (except for takeaway) will be permitted to open, including for New Year’s Eve.

 

For Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong the following rules apply:

• Gatherings in the home remain at 10 visitors in total (including children).
• Outside gatherings (such as picnics) will be restricted to 50 people in total (down from 100).

For regional NSW there is no change to current arrangements.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the efforts of residents, particularly those in the Northern Beaches, are paying off.
“This hasn’t been an easy Christmas period, but our contact tracers have been able to get on top of this outbreak and the number of new cases remains low,” Mr Hazzard said.
People with confirmed bookings in the CBD for the NYE fireworks should contact their respective restaurants and bars for further information now that venues will need to adhere to the one person per four square metre rule.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government recognised that many businesses around Circular Quay relied on NYE customers as one of the biggest nights of the year.
“New Year’s Eve is the chance for Sydney and NSW to shine on the world stage. Despite being a smaller celebration to normal, this New Year’s demonstrates NSW will bring in 2021 with confidence,” said Mr Ayres.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said NSW Health has worked hard to make COVID-Safe celebrations possible but it is important that the community continues to follow COVID-Safe practices, stay at home if unwell and get tested, wear a mask and follow good hand hygiene and physical distancing.
“Everyone needs to continue to be alert to the ongoing risk of transmission and to keep practising physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and most importantly to get tested and isolate if they feel unwell,” Dr Chant said.
More information in relation to New Year’s Eve will be available later today on www.nsw.gov.au

Police have issued a total of 21 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) over a wedding reception that breached a Public Health Order in Sydney at the weekend after nine further PINs were issued overnight.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a venue on Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, about 5pm on Sunday (27 December 2020), after receiving information from Crime Stoppers in relation to possible breaches of a Public Health Order.
After speaking with staff and attendees, police recorded contact details for more than a dozen guests, who are Northern Beaches residents.
Police issued 12 PINs on Monday (28 December 2020) to attendees who are Northern Beaches residents.
Following further inquiries, another nine guests were identified as Northern Beaches residents and were spoken to by police before $1000 PINs were issued either in person or by post.
These include three men – aged 31, 41 and 75 – and two women – aged 42 and 71 – from Narraweena, a 32-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman from Collaroy Plateau, and a 36-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman from Frenchs Forest.
Inquiries are continuing.
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.