Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill is worried about a tourist influx over the Easter long weekend and is writing to the Premier about the issue, to help manage the safety of residents.
Cr Greenhill said on Monday both he and State Member for the Blue Mountains Trish Doyle were concerned by the number of tourists visiting the Mountains recently, despite the call to self-isolate because of COVID-19.
"This weekend just gone we saw a number of people come to the Mountains from outside the area and congregate in certain public places.
"We are seeking a collective approach ... to manage safety in our Blue Mountains ... and come up with solutions for Easter."
Ms Doyle has been in contact with Environment Minister Matt Kean "to express my concerns about the large influx of visitors to the Blue Mountains National parks - for recreational walks - and the potential impact this has during a pandemic".
"Both the mayor and I will send formal representations ... to minimise travel and contact as we approach Easter."
As of 8pm March 29, NSW Health data showed 16 confirmed coronavirus cases in the Mountains - three more than last week. A Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District spokesman said there were 80 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the region - a rise of 30 from last week. It equals about 20 cases for every 100,000 people and a 1.55 per cent positive rate out of everyone tested. The region has tested 5,145 cases (20 confirmed in the Hawkesbury, less than five in Lithgow, and, other than the Mountains cases, the remainder are in Penrith).
The news comes as state and federal governments announced no more than two people will be allowed to meet in public or private (other than members of your own household), with older Australians urged to stay home. Playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms joined the list of places now off-limits and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has closed all campgrounds, visitor centres, high-visitation areas, and historic sites. There is a six-month moratorium on evictions for commercial and residential tenants in financial distress. The Federal Government has introduced a record $130 billion JobKeeper wage subsidy to manage the crisis and NSW pharmacists have extra powers enabling them to dispense medicines without a prescription and can stay open 24/7.
Blue Mountains Acting Superintendent Scott McAlpine said police can issue an infringement notice, or on-the-spot fine - $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses - "if someone is ordered to self-isolate and do not comply, or if people do not adhere to social distancing rules".
