As one of eight Local Government Areas of concern, Canterbury-Bankstown will be subject to new exercise, mask and shopping rules from midnight Friday, including:
• Exercise, outdoor recreation and singles bubble visits must be done within 5kms of the person’s home;
• Individuals cannot travel more than 5kms from home for shopping, unless the goods or services are not readily available in that area; and
• Masks must be worn at all times outside the home regardless of proximity to others.
A new high-visibility policing operation has been launched to assist the state’s health strategy to tackle the further spread of the Covid-19 Delta strain, with thousands of police officers deployed across Greater Sydney from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command and general duties to enforce the new rules as well as protect the wider community from the selfish and unauthorised behaviour of a small number of individuals.
Other changes include:
• New powers have been granted to the NSW Police Commissioner to shut down businesses, construction sites and public premises where there is a risk to public health; and
• The penalty for not wearing a mask where required will be increased from $200 to $500.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the new restrictions follow a call from the vast majority in the community who are doing the right thing by complying with the Public Health Orders.
“The time for warnings is over. I know 99 per cent of the population are furious with the minority who continue to disregard the health orders and put the safety and livelihoods of families at risk,” Mr Elliott said.
“Crime Stoppers received more than 15,000 calls and reports providing information following last weekend’s illegal protest. Police made it clear from the start, they want to educate – not fine – members of the community but the 15,000 calls to Crime Stoppers is a clear message to the Government that the community expects action.
“If we all work together, these new rules have the potential to stop the spread of the virus and save lives.”
NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller said police will significantly ramp up compliance activities with officers performing an extra 1000 shifts throughout the next week.
“These officers will be out in force across the Greater Sydney footprint conducting high-visibility proactive patrols and compliance checks, and responding to all Crime Stoppers reports,” Comm Fuller said.
“The stronger powers and police presence are about getting us out of lockdown sooner.”
