As the state focusses on limiting the spread of the COVID-19 Delta strain, NSW Police Force will be out in force targeting metropolitan Sydney beaches and coastal areas.
The targeted coastal operations are part of the Force's escalation of compliance activities throughout greater Sydney in response to yesterday's announcement of further restrictions under the Public Health Order.
General duties police will be undertaking high-visibility patrols along locations including Bondi Beach, Manly Beach and other coastal areas, to ensure social distancing compliance is maintained.
Officers from the Marine Area Command, Aviation Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command and the Police Mounted Unit will provide specialist support to the high-visibility police operations.
Metropolitan Field Operations Deputy Commissioner Malcolm Lanyon said people need to understand that the reasonable excuse of exercise in the public health order does not override the very important social distancing requirements, which are designed to limit the spread of this highly transmissible virus strain.
"I ask people to be mindful and ensure that they comply with the social distancing guidelines in place," Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.
"Police will be tasked across the metropolitan Sydney area, and will be highly visible at beach and coastal areas including Bondi and Manly beaches. Operational taskings will seek to ensure people are complying with the social distancing rules and also have a reasonable excuse to be outdoors.
"The new health order requires that people in a number of circumstances must provide evidence of their name and address if requested by police to ensure they are complying with the order.
"I ask people to continue to work with police and carry identification if away from their home and remind them that it is now a requirement to carry face masks whenever away from their homes and wear them when appropriate.
"In order to achieve community safety, police will not hesitate to enforce the public health order if they discover people are not complying with them," he said.
Information on the Public Health Order can be found at the nsw.gov.au/covid-19.
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.
