Inspectors target mask-wearing and QR codes at cafes and building sites

Inspectors will be out in force this weekend to crack down on mask-wearing and the use of QR codes in cafes and building sites around the state.

A team of 130 inspectors will hit the streets from Fairfield to Bondi as part of a statewide operation this weekend in a compliance operation targeting cafes and construction sites.

Mask-wearing and use of QR codes will be the focus of the squad, which will comprise officers from Liquor and Gaming, SafeWork NSW, Fair Trading and the Food Authority.

A similar Covid compliance squad was assembled during last year’s lockdown. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone

Under public health orders introduced in response to the latest outbreak, Service NSW QR code and mask-wearing requirements were extended to include construction, manufacturing and warehousing, supermarkets and retail work sectors.

Better Regulation and Innovation Minister Kevin Anderson said the rules came into effect from July 12.

“Customer Service compliance inspectors will be monitoring businesses to make sure they are doing the right thing, keeping us all safe,” he said.

“We know complying with new rules can be tough, which is why we will be working

closely with businesses over the coming weeks to help them understand the new

requirements and ensure Covid-safe practices.”

Police will fine a northern beaches man after a ‘pop-up street party' was held on the Manly beachfront this week. Picture: Facebook

Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said it was vital businesses took reasonable steps to ensure people entering their premises were checking-in, including for takeaway orders.

The expanded requirements also now apply to staff and visitors to workplaces, such as

maintenance workers, cleaners, electricians and delivery drivers.

“The Service NSW QR code is not wallpaper, it’s there to protect your staff and

customers as we battle the Delta variant,” Mr Dominello said.

“The green tick on the Service NSW app is a safety stamp — it means the contact

tracers can do their job keeping the community safe.

“It is now mandatory to check-in at all workplaces, supermarkets and retail stores.

“It is vital that businesses are displaying the QR code correctly and taking reasonable

steps to ensure people entering their premises check-in using their phone or digital

sign-in sheet.”

The crackdown comes after Police Minister David Elliott appealed to eastern suburbs residents to adhere to the lockdown rules after he received a photo showing several people standing outside a North Bondi cafe.

With the warmer weather expected to entice Sydneysiders outside, police are redoubling their efforts to ensure people abide by social distancing rules.

Patrons standing outside a North Bondi cafe.

Mr Elliott said these next two weeks were critical in ensuring the outbreak was contained.

“Eastern suburbs residents who think they can game the health orders need to take a look at the way the citizens of south western Sydney have responded and mirror that gold standard behaviour,” he said

“We are at a very delicate stage and if some tosser forces the city into further restrictions, I will have no hesitation in calling them out.”