Up to 60 party goers in Schofields, NSW are likely to be fined AUD 1,000 each for violating coronavirus restrictions in NSW.
On Saturday, 18th July, 2020, Officers from Quakers Hill Police Area Command were called to a home in Nottingham Street about 11.30pm. The police officers were responding to complaints about a noisy party.
Upon reaching there, police discovered more than 60 people had gathered at the property, in breach of the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 4) 2020.
(The PHO restricts outdoor public gatherings of not more than 20 people, with a 20-person limit on visitors to a home.)
Police also had to seek assistance from neighbouring commands from Mt Druitt, Hawkesbury, Blacktown, The Hills and Nepean, as well as the Police airwing, PolAir, a team from the Dog Unit, and OSG officers from North West and South West Metropolitan Regions to manage the crowd, many of whom were intoxicated.
OC spray was deployed when a brawl broke out inside the home involving 15 people, and officers entered the building.
Three males were taken to Blacktown Hospital, two for minor injuries sustained in the brawl and a third for the effects of alcohol.
Police intend to issue up to 60 people with COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) of $1000; 30 people were arrested after refusing a move-on direction, and of those 15 were taken to Riverstone Police Station where their identities were verified.
Those 30 people will also be issued with a separate TINS for failing to comply with a move-on direction.
Police have been told the house had been booked via an online rental company.
