Operation Summer Safe to monitor COVID compliance in regional NSW over summer months

With the holiday season of 2020-2021 set to look different to years gone by, police have launched Operation Summer Safe to ensure people adhere to the Public Health Order.

The operation will take effect for the current school holiday periods and continue throughout the summer months with a focus on policing licensed premises, public spaces and entertainment precincts in an effort to decrease anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence, alongside enforcing ministerial directions.

Southern Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Dean Smith said the message was simple.

"We want people to enjoy our region. We understand there will be plenty of people travelling across our region to visit; However, we want people to do that in a safe manner and be aware that there are still risks out there in terms of the current pandemic," he said.

Assistant Commissioner Smith added that it was about being considerate of the wider community.

"... consider the impact it can have if people don't behave appropriately," he said.

"We do want to make sure that people still come to the regions, we want them to enjoy our country and smaller towns, but to make sure they do that safely."