A woman has been charged after allegedly refusing to wear a mask in the Illawarra region.
About 2.50pm (Thursday 14 January 2021), officers from the Wollongong Police Transport Command were patrolling a train travelling between Thirroul and Helensburgh, when they observed a woman not wearing a mask.
It's alleged the 47-year-old woman refused to answer questions or provide police with identification. She was issued a move-on direction at Helensburgh Train Station and provided with a mask by police.
It's further alleged the woman returned to the train platform minutes later, and again refused to wear a mask or provide police with any form of identification.
The Earlwood woman was arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station, where she was charged with fail to wear fitted face covering on public transport, interfere with comfort and safety of others, not state name and address to authorised officer, and fail to comply with request to leave restricted area.
She was granted bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court on Thursday 28 January 2021.
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.
