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.
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.
