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March 18, 2024

Bangalow health food staff fined for failing to mask-up

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Police have fined staff in a Bangalow health food store for failing to wear face masks.

Just a week ago, it was possible for someone to legally refuse to prove exemption from face-mask rules in NSW, even to a police officer.

But the government has since updated applicable law and anyone who cannot wear a face mask because of a disability, physical or mental health illness or condition must now carry proof of exemption.

Acceptable proof of exemption is listed as either a medical certificate or letter signed by a health practitioner or a registered NDIS provider, or a statutory declaration.

Second Main Arm party in as many weeks to breach public health orders

Tweed-Byron Police said on Monday morning they’d responded to a large amount of calls and crime stopper reports related to public health order breaches over the past week.

A man from Ocean Shores was fined for failing to self-isolate after returning to the region from Greater Sydney.

Greater Sydney was in lock-down and anyone leaving the area was under state orders to self-isolate for fourteen subsequent days, regardless of COVID-19 tests or if they were vaccinated.

Another man reportedly hosted a party for a hundred guests in Main Arm, in breach of orders limiting house guests to five.

The news comes after police last week charged a 25-year-old Main Arm man for the same offence.

Police and health authorities were still investigating the breach of Sydney stay-at-home orders by a man who caught a flight to Ballina on 14 July and later turned out to have tested positive to COVID -19.


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12 COMMENTS

  1. A sudden change in ‘law’ without notice or time for persons to gather their evidence is probably unlawful.

    Brad Hazzard flags – Thursday 22 July.

    “ Mr Hazzard told reporters on Thursday morning he was working with NSW Health and government lawyers to amend the Public Health Orders with the new rule.
    He didn’t say when the amendment would be made or when it would come into effect, but he indicated it would be as soon as possible. ”

    Complete a Statutory Declaration and dispute the fine.

    • …….Or grow a brain and wear a mask !
      It’s not that hard , even you can do it, the elastic goes over your ears , and the tricky part is where you cover your mouth AND nose with the cloth bit. While this is obviously a challenge, it can be done.
      Cheers, G”)

        • I’m sure it’s a great imposition but hey we’re in a pandemic. Masks are one of the tools for minimising transmission without the lockdowns – the lockdowns that mean for some that there is no job to go to.

          The health workers working extended split shifts in ICUs looking after Covid patients end up with chafed faces from the extended hours they wear them.

        • All the doctors and nurses wear masks in hospital operating theaters, with some operations lasting more than 8 hours – despite the wearing of masks in operations proved to lower infections are you saying that these doctors and nurses should stop wearing them because they are uncomfortable?

  2. Yes, funny how the Minister flagged the possibility of changing the law, then admitted it may be difficult and now, within days, its apparently just changed.

    Would love to see the paper trail and evidence of this law change that has taken less than a week it seems.

  3. Is the fine even legal? If persons insist on mask wearing. Dont go to stores where masks arent worn. Its very simple.

    • Sheep don’t like goats it seems.
      “I love the Gov, how high can I jump? Can I lick your boots??”
      Funny how even with ample easily accessible evidence about illegal government activity, most want to ‘dob in a neighbour’. Last days are here.

  4. If you chose to avoid best advice and get sick and can’t breath. Do not go to the hospital 🏥 because they will make you wear a mask. Most likely a high flow oxygen mask and you won’t get that at Byron hospital so you will be sent to Lismore base. 😂
    When you learn to drive your parents often say be careful it’s the person in the other car you have to look out for. Protect yourself cause no one else cares. It’s all about them ❤️ They will walk away and you will pay. That is not fine. $

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