A Public Health Order for the Northern Beaches Local Government Area (LGA) has been signed by the NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research, Brad Hazzard MP, to control the spread of COVID-19.
The new Public Health (COVID-19 Northern Beaches) Order 2020 enforces the stay-at-home advisory issued on the 17th December for the Northern Beaches LGA. The order requires local residents or people in short-term accommodation (such as hotels or rental accommodation) to stay at home.
People are also not permitted to enter the Northern Beaches LGA without a lawful reason. The Order will remain in effect until 11.59pm on Wednesday (subject to health advice).
Hospitality venues and function centres in the Northern Beaches LGA will close for the duration of the Order, with the exception of takeaway from hospitality venues. Gyms and places of worship will also close, for example.
A resident of the Northern Beaches may not participate in a public gathering involving more than two people, unless for permitted reasons such as attending work.
Other exemptions to the two-person rule are listed in the Order, and include gatherings involving your own family.
Acceptable reasons for leaving home include:
Other acceptable reasons for leaving your home include accessing childcare, providing care or emergency assistance and to escape a risk of harm. A full list of requirements under different circumstances can be found in the Order.
"We need people to adhere to this order to protect the community and control the spread of COVID-19," NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said.
"Wear a mask when shopping and engaging in other essential permitted activities."
Breach of orders made under the Public Health Act 2010 is a criminal offence and attracts heavy penalties. The maximum penalty for individuals is $11,000 and potential imprisonment for six months. The NSW Police may also issue on-the-spot fines of $1000 for an offence.
View the Public Health Order