COVID-19: Northern beaches residents encouraged to call out non-compliance

A northern beaches councillor is urging residents to step up and call out people who are not following COVID-19 protocols.

Northern beaches councillor Pat Daley urged residents to say something if people aren’t wearing masks. Picture: Adam Yip

A northern beaches councillor is urging residents to call out those who are not following health guidelines, and public orders during the pandemic.

It follows demands by some councillors for an early January council meeting to discuss the

impact of the lockdown on the community, which will take place on Tuesday evening.

Mask wearing signs at Manly Cove. Photo Jeremy Piper

Cr Pat Daley said he would submit an urgency motion to encourage “members of the community to give a subtle reminder to people who are not doing the right thing”.

“There’s non-compliance happening there with wearing masks and I’m not suggesting we set up a vigilante exercise, but subtle community engagement. We must all be COVID ambassadors to encourage people to wear masks and social distance,” Cr Daley said.

Cr Pat Daley pictured near Manly Wharf. Picture: Damian Shaw

“People also need to be careful of where they dispose of their masks and make sure it’s in a proper garbage facility.

“They’ll find their way into out waterways and it will have an impact on the environment. This is no exaggeration, I see masks dumped a lot. I often see them discarded in the gutter.”

Further, the motion calls for residents to lend a helping hand to the vulnerable in the community.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan and Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham. Picture: Jeremy Piper

The urgency motion proposes: “That Council encourages members of the community to continue to reach out and support and assist friends and neighbours who are doing it tough. “Many people particularly our seniors are feeling isolated and nervous about the future and this is causing increasing anxiety and depression” and “That Council use its excising communication resources to promote these endeavours.”

As part of the proposal, it thanks the community for their sacrifices made during the lockdown period.

In response Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham said the council had already put measures in place.

“While I appreciate Cr Pat Daley’s heart is in the right place, the council is already doing all of these things,” Cr Bingham said.

Commuters wearing masks at Manly Wharf. Picture: Jeremy Piper

“Council staff have contacted over 7000 people on phone to check on their health and wellbeing and there’s numerous signs and reminders around the parks and beaches about covid safe behaviours.

“These messages are in the media constantly. I would say it’s not a matter of urgency, it’s a matter of common sense and I believe the community is already doing these things.”

Cr Bingham said the council is also offering a business support service.

“It’s a one-stop shop where business can call the council and they can assist with them with all the state and federal grants that can help them during this difficult.”