Covid breaches on Sydney’s north shore including BBQ at Balmoral

There are grave fears for Sydney’s north shore with the latest set of Covid beaches including a beach restaurant operating a BBQ as sunseekers hit the sand.

The number of breaches of Covid-19 health orders continue to rise on the north shore as police continue a compliance blitz across the region.

Group gatherings, not wearing face masks and a drinking session among mates feature in the latest list of misdemeanours contravening the state’s public health orders.

North Shore Police said large number of Crimestoppers reports are being received from residents about potential beaches.

Police are patrolling popular outdoor areas including Balmoral.

“A lot of the reports are related to face masks, people suspected of not working from home when they could be, and neighbours having visitors over,” a spokeswoman said.

“We’ve also had reports about businesses not complying with face mask requirements.”

Police have also encouraged residents visiting popular outdoor areas to follow the current health orders including social distancing requirements.

It comes as Mosman Council has reintroduced a Covid-19 action plan to manage crowd numbers and behaviour at beaches, parks and other outdoor areas.

“Rangers and Covid safety marshals are visiting beaches and other popular public spaces to monitor the areas and educate the public about current NSW government public health orders,” the council said.

“Additional Covid-safe messaging reminding residents to observe physical distancing rules will also be displayed around popular locations.”

Police and rangers are patrolling popular outdoor areas.

Monique McLoughlin, co-owner of Balmoral’s Public Dining Room which is currently closed due to the lockdown, said the recent spell of hot weather has brought people out in their droves.

“I think there is a perception that there’s no Covid in Mosman or the north shore, and people in general seem quite relaxed about it,” she said.

“Last weekend was beautiful weather and that could be contributing to the crowds. I heard it was pretty chaotic.

“The police are down here most days and their presence is felt. In general most people are doing the right thing and following the rules.”

These are some of the latest infringement notices issued in the region:

WILLOUGHBY

An alleged assault and breach of the public health orders unfolded at a home in Willoughby on Sunday night. Police said around eight people aged in their teens and early 20s had gathered at the Willoughby Rd home and were socialising and drinking when a fight broke out. A 20-year-old man then stumbled out of the home and asked for assistance from a passer-by before being taken to hospital with cuts and abrasions. Police said an investigation is continuing.

BALMORAL

A 55-year-old northern beaches man was fined at Balmoral Beach on Saturday when he was seen by police operating a barbecue at a restaurant, serving customers and not wearing a face mask. Police have not released the name of the business.

WAVERTON

Four men were fined for meeting up for a drinking session at a park in Waverton. Police said the men told officers they were “tired of being stuck at home and wanted to meet up”. The men were all aged in their early 20s and residents of Naremburn, Carlton, Strathfield and Rockdale and fined for breaching the two person limit.

CAMMERAY

A carpooling trip left two southwest Sydneysiders with fines after driving to the north shore in the early hours of Friday. Police said the fines were issued to a 45-year-old and a 37-year-old, both from Minto, who were stopped on Palmer St about 4am and told police they were carpooling on their way home from work.

CROWS NEST

A man was fined for not wearing a face mask at a Crows Nest supermarket last Tuesday. Police said the man told officers he had an exemption however he was not carrying evidence of the exemption as required under the public health orders.

KIRRIBILLI

A Victorian man was arrested in Kirribilli on Monday evening after allegedly not being able to provide a reasonable excuse for being in the area. The 23-year-old was charged with not complying with noticed direction and is due to appear in court this week.

North Shore Police are continuing to receive large numbers of reports via Crime Stoppers.

MOSMAN

Three people were fined after a gathering at a home in Glover St on Sunday. Police said they were altered after a Crimestoppers report was made by a resident. A 44-year-old homeowner and his two visitors were all issued fines.

WOLLSTONECRAFT

Two teenagers from Sydney’s west and south were fined for travelling through the north shore without a reasonable excuse. Police said the fines were issued after a car was stopped on River Rd last Tuesday night. The driver – an 18 year old man from Narwee – and his passenger, an 18 year old Five Dock woman – were both issued infringement notices.

CHATSWOOD

A man was fined for entering a petrol station shop in Chatswood without wearing a mask or checking in with the QR code.