Police urge community to comply, as shut down of non-essential services kicks in midday Monday

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FROM midday tomorrow (Monday), pubs, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and indoor sporting venues across the Illawarra will join the rest of Australia and shut until further notice.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced unprecedented restrictions on non-essential gatherings in Australia in an effort to slow the rapid spread of coronavirus.

As a result, all pubs, registered and licensed clubs, and licensed premises inside hotels and pubs will close. Accommodation facilities inside those facilities can continue to operate, but with social distancing measures and good hygiene in place.

Theatres, cinemas, casinos and nightclubs will also close to patrons.

Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to providing takeaway, with dining banned from midday, Monday. Home deliveries, takeaway, will continue. Takeaway alcohol businesses will be able to continue operating.

The shutdown would exclude supermarkets, petrol stations, pharmacies, convenience stores, and freight and logistics.

Schools will be open on Monday, but an announcement on whether they would continue to operate is expected tomorrow.

Meanwhile police are urging the community to remain vigilant and ensure they comply with orders and directions aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Following the Commonwealth Government’s announcement that it is a requirement for all entrants to Australia, including returning travellers, to self-isolate for 14 days, NSW Health and the NSW Police Force are working together to ensure risks to the community are minimised.

The community has been very responsive to public health information and the government’s recent direction to self-isolate and the vast majority of people have done the right thing and complied with the Public Health Order.

The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides NSW Police with the power to enforce public health orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order.

As part of the NSW Police Force’s commitment to the safety of the NSW community, Crime Stoppers now has a reporting option to take information from the public about anyone not complying with Public Health Orders.

You can report online to: www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

If you are unable to report online, you can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Your information will be treated confidentially.

The public is reminded to utilise this service responsibly and not to abuse it. The time of emergency services is valuable and is best directed toward legitimate reports.

As always, for urgent or life-threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).

To report a crime, contact the Police Assistance Line on 131444.

For any inquiries related to COVID-19, call the Coronavirus Health National Information Line on 1800 020 080.

Call Health Direct on 1800 022 222 if you require health information and advice.

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