NSW Police could doorknock New Year's Eve parties to check virus rules being followed
NSW Police could knock on people's doors this New Year's Eve to make sure they're not breaking coronavirus rules.
Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing from NSW Police said while there would usually be a New Year's Eve operation in the city, this year's will be a stark change from handling the more than a million who usually pack around the harbour.
Revellers are being told to stay away, unless they have a booking for a bar or restaurant, or a pass to go to the home of somebody who lives there.
READ MORE: Sydney New Year's Eve rules explained
People are only allowed into Sydney's CBD on December 31 if they have a pass. Sam Mooy/The Sydney Morning Herald
New Year's Eve plans in Sydney have been scaled back. Sam Mooy/The Sydney Morning Herald
Only ten visitors are allowed at a home, including in the CBD, where passes are needed to enter such as for a party.
Ass Comm Willing said they "could well be" doorknocking parties to check the numbers.
"We have a lot of resources out there that will be in uniform and from specialist commands and if we have to door knock to ensure people are complying with the current health orders we will certainly be doing that," he told Today.
NSW Government closure signs are seen at Milsons Point, as people are told to stay away on New Year's Eve Sam Mooy/The Sydney Morning Herald
"We're asking people not to come in to the Sydney CBD area, unless you have a New Year's Eve pass.
"I want to remind people, stay local, celebrate locally.
"Police will have powers to move people on if they're congregating in groups that are causing concerns in terms of public safety."
The iconic multi-million dollar fireworks will still happen at midnight, but will last for only seven minutes, with people told to watch on TV.
Nobody will be allowed to gather on the foreshore, after plans to offer the best spots to medical workers and firefighters were scrapped due to coronavirus.
Fireworks explode over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge on January 1, 2017. AP
Milson's Point would usually be a prime spot for the fireworks. Dominic Lorrimer
Parks around the harbour have already been fenced off, with signings warning of police patrols.
Ass Comm Willing said on the Northern Beaches, which remains under lockdown, police will also be "highly visible", with all celebrations there cancelled.
There, people are allowed either five or ten people to their home for the evening depending on which of the two zones they're in - but only from the same lockdown area.
Crowds at East Circular Quay on December 31, 2016, which won't be allowed this year. James Alcock/Nine
"People in and around the Northern Beaches should be congratulated for the sacrifices that they are currently making," he said.
Across Western Sydney, only Liverpool is holding a small fireworks display, with people told to watch from their driveway.
A planned event in Fairfield has now been cancelled.
Police Minister David Elliot warned earlier this week fines would be issued if people broke coronavirus rules over New Year.
Meanwhile, people in Melbourne are also being told not to head to the city on December 31.
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