While most of us stayed home over the Easter long weekend, Richmond Police District officers were busy, making sure people comply with social distancing and stay at home directives. 

Yesterday in Nimbin, police found a man drinking - and issued him with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).

Local police reported that about 4.40pm yesterday, officers observed four people drinking in a park at Cullen Street, Nimbin. One of them, a 27 year old man, told police he travelled to Nimbin from Casino because he was bored. 

The man also told officers that he was aware of the current ministerial direction, but that he did not believe in Coronavirus – then he was issued with the $1000 PIN. 

As most of us stay home in isolation, the slow spread of coronavirus moves through NSW. 

As of 8pm last night, NSW Health reported a small increase (7 cases) in the number of confirmed cases across the State, bringing the total to 2870. There have been 26 deaths in NSW from Covid-19.

When we look at a breakdown of Covid-19 cases in our local health district, the number of cases in Lismore remains at 5, with 16 in Byron and 14 in Tweed. 

The general and ongoing message is: stay home, stay safe – and wash your hands.

Other PINs issued locally

About 12.50pm yesterday, officers from Richmond Police district spoke to two men at Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head, and warned them they were in breach of the Public Health Order. Fifteen minutes later the pair, aged 22 and 25, were spoken to again at the Pat Morton Lookout, Lennox Head, and they were both issued with a $1000 PIN.

About 2.10pm yesterday officers from Richmond Police District spoke to a man in a hire car at a boat ramp on Riverside Drive, West Ballina. The 32-year-old failed to provide a reasonable excuse for being there and was issued a $1000 PIN. He was also served with an outstanding Firearms Prohibition Order and Weapons Prohibition Order.

About 4.10pm yesterday, officers from Richmond Police district detected two vans with South Australian number plates at Sharpes Beach carpark, Skennars Head. A 56-year-old woman and 54-year-old man were issued move on directions, but around an hour later police returned and the pair had not moved. They were both issued a $1000 PIN.