Police advise stay home but if out for essential purposes, don’t confront anyone without a mask
As the Northern Rivers lockdown gets under way, police have warned they will be out and about to ensure the community is following the rules.
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A senior police officer has said that with the current Northern Rivers Covid snap lockdown in place, wearing a mask in public is now mandatory.
Richmond Police District Acting Inspector Anthony Smith said officers will be enforcing mask wearing in public places such as shops and retail centres.
He also warned people to avoid anyone not complying and to contact Crime Stoppers.
“Police will only expect noncompliance anyone with a genuine exemption in writing from a medical practitioner, which they should carry with them,” he said.
“Otherwise, there are no expectations for not wearing a mask wearing a mask.”
Mr Smith said that while larger retails such as chain supermarkets have the resources to have staff at entrances to ensure people comply with QR check-ins, mask wearing and hand sanitiser application, he recognised it can be more complex for smaller shops.
“It is up to each individual store to follow their Covid-safe guidelines from their powers that be,” he said.
“Obviously places like Woolworths, those larger corporations, will have a different approach to the small mum and dad shops.
“But common sense from everyone is essential.”
Mr Smith also advised that anyone who witnessed someone not wearing a mask to not get involved in what could be a dangerous confrontation.
“Report someone not wearing a mask to the centre management or whomever owns the business or contact Crime Stoppers,” he said.
“ Do not approach the person, you have no idea what is behind their behaviour, and you don’t know how they will react, so do not put yourself in danger.”
Mr Smith also urged anyone feeling the slightest bit unwell to get tested and isolate.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
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