Worried Novocastrians are being assured that every step is being taken to make Origin III a COVID-safe event, amid fears of a virus outbreak in the Hunter.
There will be a significant number of police not only on site but in a three ring perimeter of the city.
From the moment spectators arrive at McDonald Jones Stadium they will be met with officers, who will be checking IDs.
Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey urging residents of Central Coast, Sydney, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour to stay home.
“Do not think you can buy a ticket and come up here and not be caught – it’s a $1000 fine for every person,” Det. Supt. Humphrey said.
“I’m sure your lounge-room has a wonderful television and you will probably get better coverage than sitting here having to wear a mask.”
“Certainly I am looking forward to seeing all the Novocastrians, people from the Valley and other regional areas in New South Wales come here to watch NSW get the clean sweep that we so richly deserve.”
Inside the venue, police will be making sure those attending are complying with the public health orders by sitting in their allocated seats and wearing a mask.
“You can’t sit there with a beer between your feet and watch the footy with your mask off, we’re not going to allow it,” Det Supt Humphrey said.
An offence like this would receive a $200 ticket.
In light of what has happened this week at the Dragons and in the Maroons camp, Det. Supt. Humphrey said COVID-breaches will not be tolerated by Origin players either.
“They will be complying with the public health orders while they’re in my city, ” he said.
