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Ski Town Parties Breach Covid-19 Rules

Australian police in Jindabyne, close to the ski areas of Perisher and Thredbo, have again broken up illegal gatherings and issued fines as revellers continue to defy rules on social distancing.

Officers were called out to deal with two indoor parties in the town in New South Wales following complaints of noise.

The premises exceeded the 20-person limit for indoor gatherings.

Nine people will be issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs).

It’s not the first time  police in the area have had to take action under the coronavirus regulations, as we have reported.

The first incident was on Saturday.

At 11pm officers from Monaro Police District were called to East Jindabyne.

“Police were directed to a room where loud music was being played and discovered 27 people inside. Only eight were actually staying at the resort,” a police statement said.

“Seven men – aged 31, 29, 26, two aged 27 and two aged 24 – and a 29-year-old woman, will be issued with $1000 PINs for failing to comply with a ministerial direction.

“The remaining people inside the room were moved-on after their details were taken by police.”

In a separate incident, officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were called to a unit on Anzac Parade, Maroubra, just before 1am on Sunday, after reports of a loud gathering.

Police arrived to find a large group of people at the unit, in excess of the 20-person limit, and were told it was an after-party for an earlier birthday celebration.

The party was shut down and everyone moved on.

The resident, a 29-year-old man, will be issued a PIN.

The police are appealing to people to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.

Meanwhile, in the neighbouring state of Victoria, two more ski resorts are considering their position as cases of coronavirus continue to rise in the state.

Mt Buller and Baw Baw are currently still open though Falls Creek and Mt Hotham closed for skiing in late June – shortly after they opened.

With new restrictions introduced in Victoria and daily infections soaring, it’s thought that the ski areas may soon close.

See more in our rolling blog Coronavirus Impact On Skiing & Snowboarding