NSW Police will launch a major high-visibility operation across Sydney's south-west tomorrow to ensure compliance with all COVID-19 public health orders.
The operation will see the deployment of an extra 100 police officers, including resources from the Dog and Mounted Unit, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, PolAir, Police Transport Command and general duties officers from the South West Metropolitan Region.
It will commence at 7am tomorrow (Friday 9 July 2021).
Metropolitan Field Operations Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the circumstances of the current outbreak called for strong action.
"We have seen over the past two weeks this strain is incredibly virulent – it can go anywhere and go there very quickly – so we need to be ahead of it," Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.
"Just like in past outbreaks, our officers are now turning their focus to where it's vital, for the safety of the community, to see 100% compliance with the public health orders.
"Our police will be targeting the people who think the rules don't apply to them. Those people are putting everyone's lives at risk, including their own families, and working to prolong the lockdown."
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said police will continue to target areas of concern as communities respond to the new threat of the delta strain of COVID-19.
"The additional police officers in Sydney's south-west will be reinforcing to the community that compliance with the health orders is a requirement if we want to see our loved ones protected," Mr Elliott said.
"The key message is to stay at home to ensure you don't run the risk of bringing the virus back to your household.
"The delta strain is a game changer, and police will be out in the community helping people to comply, but where they don't get compliance they will be out enforcing the public health orders," he said.
South West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke, said the additional resourcing represented a significant boost to the existing compliance operation.
"This is really about supporting our community so our businesses can reopen, shops can open up, we can see our loved ones without risking their health, and we can all move forward," Assistant Commissioner Cooke said.
"So if you are out and about over the weekend and you shouldn't be – expect to have a conversation with police."
Police also continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of the public health orders or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
