Narrabri region police officers are reminding businesses and residents that the threat of COVID-19 is “far from over”.
“Whilst there are currently no cases in our area, there is still a risk that the virus could come to our towns,” said the Narrabri region’s Acting Police Inspector Scott Bolton.
“Businesses should have a COVID safety plan and people should adhere to social distancing requirements and the four-square-metre rule.
“Police officers have been and will continue to conduct regular checks on businesses and returned interstate travellers.”
Acting Inspector Scott Bolton encouraged people to stay updated on the latest information by checking the website www.nsw.gov.au
On Monday, NSW Health said 13 new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday night, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3608.
On Sunday, the NSW Government “strongly encouraged” greater use of masks in high-risk public settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The advice from the NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant specifically recommended the use of face masks in indoor settings where physical distancing is hard to maintain, such as on public transport or in supermarkets, the use of face masks (where practical) in indoor settings with a higher risk of transmission, such as for the staff of hospitality and customer-facing venues i.e. cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs and during attendance at places of worship.
Wearing a mask in any of these settings is not mandatory but is highly recommended, especially in areas where there has been community transmission.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said a mask is not a substitute for physical distancing.
“People should continue to maintain their physical distance – it is our most effective weapon.
“However, if you find yourself in a situation where you can’t maintain your physical distance you should wear a mask,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It is critical the community understands masks should be used in conjunction with other measures, and not as a standalone measure.”
The announcement came as Victoria tightened restrictions as the state grapples to control the virus recording 671 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday.
From 6:00pm on Sunday, all of metropolitan Melbourne was placed under stage four restrictions, which includes a curfew from 8:00pm to 5:00am each night preventing people from leaving their homes unless it is for work, giving or receiving care, or visiting a partner.
Victoria is now under both a state of disaster and a state of emergency.
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In other police news, a woman has been charged with assaulting a police officer after an alleged incident in Narrabri on July 20.
Acting police inspector Scott Bolton said officers responded to reports of a ‘female screaming’ at a home in town at about 11:50pm.
While police officers were conducting inquiries, it’s alleged the woman ran towards police and grabbed the police officer on the right side of the face.
“However, she continued to struggle and resist arrest,” said Acting Insp. Bolton.
It will be alleged a male that was at the scene hindered police and interfered with the arrest. He has been charged.
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Police allege that a man with a disqualified licence has been stopped while driving for the third time in close to a month.
The man has been charged and is due to appear in court in August.
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