Police and council rangers visit Collaroy backpackers hostel over social gathering
Police and council rangers were called to a backpackers’ hostel on the northern beaches after neighbours dobbed it in for allegedly allowing a social gathering of more than two people.
Manly
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Police and council rangers visited a backpacker hostel after allegations the guests were flouting new rules on holding large social gatherings.
Neighbours tipped-off police and Northern Beaches Council on Tuesday after seeing guests regularly socialising closely together at the Sydney Collaroy Beachouse hostel at Collaroy.
Earlier this week Prime Minister Scott Morrison ordered that social gatherings be restricted to just two people as part of radical measures to slow the spread of coronavirus.
People can gather in groups of more than two if they are from the same household.
A NSW Government Public Health Order restricting social gatherings of people in the state can be enforced by police.
A resident living close to the hostel, operated by YHA (Youth Hostel Associations) Australia, posted a photograph on social media late Wednesday purportedly showing at least eight people socialising on Tuesday evening.
The woman posted that “while most of us are trying to do the right thing by social distancing/isolating … apparently those living in the backpackers in Collaroy can do what they like.
“This photo was taken at approx 5pm today, but it’s been happening all week. The neighbours ask them to be responsible...”
The hotel guests argued that because the group were all residents of the premises they were not technically in breach of the order.
Sydney Collaroy Beachouse management says on its website that “due to the current COVID-19 situation, our properties are implementing all the government’s social distancing guidelines and safe hygiene practices. Guests will need to follow them.”
Police, who visited the hostel on Tuesday night, and council rangers who spoke to the hostel’s management on Wednesday, were told that it had implemented a range of measures to comply with the rules including closing the balcony area, restricting numbers in common areas and reinforcing social distancing.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said council rangers were door knocking all backpacker accommodation providers to remind them of their obligations.
“It’s important backpackers comply with the rules alongside everyone else,” Mayor Regan said.
“Most are doing the right thing and in fact some are going out of their way to support their clientele through difficult circumstances and we are working with police to clamp down on those who breach the rules.”
Hostel management was contacted for comment.
The backpacker warning comes as police begin checking on a “high number” of people on the northern beaches who are under quarantine and self-isolation orders in their own homes.
Those who have tested positive for the virus; have had contact with an infected person or; have just returned from overseas, must stay in their homes or accommodation for at least 14 days.
Northern Beaches crime manager Michael Boutouridis said local police had been tasked to make regular doorknock checks on these people.
“We have been given a list with a high number of names and locations on it,” Chief Inspector Boutouridis said.
“Our officers are monitoring those people to make sure they are abiding by the directives made by government.”
Inspector Boutouridis said police, of all ranks, were also on the lookout for any breaches of social distancing rules.
No social gathering or social distancing fines have yet been handed out on the northern beaches.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said on Wednesday afternoon that police would exercise discretion when it came to issuing any fines, but added they would “take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the wider community.
“A good rule of thumb is that if you are questioning whether you should be doing something, it is best to give it a miss,” Commissioner Fuller said.
The community can report breaches to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.