A 55-year-old man has been refused bail after being arrested twice for not wearing a face mask in a public place – with the man claiming that coronavirus is a hoax.
Police say that at around 7am on Friday, officers attached to North/Central Police Transport Command were patrolling Central Railway Station when they stopped and spoke to a 55-year-old man who was not wearing a mask.
The man told officers he believed COVID-19 was a hoax and refused to put on a mask or leave the location.
He was arrested and taken to Sydney City Police Station where he was charged with not wear fitted face covering public transport waiting area.
The man was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on February 3.
“About 5.30pm yesterday, officers from Campbelltown Police Transport Command PTC were patrolling Campbelltown Railway Station about spoke to the same man, aged 55, who was not wearing a mask, again claiming COVID-19 was a hoax,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“He was arrested and charged with not wear fitted face covering in public transport/taxi and breach of bail.
“He was bail refused to appear at Campbelltown Local Court today.”
The man is one of several people recently issued with COVID-19 infringement notices for breaches of the Public Health Act.
“About 1:45pm on Friday, officers from the Police Transport Command were patrolling Campbelltown Railway Station when they saw two men, aged 28 and 65 not wearing masks,” NSW Police said.
“When officers requested the younger man put on a mask, he became argumentative and claimed the public health order was a human rights violation.
“When police directed the older man to wear a mask, the man became aggressive towards the officers and refused to comply.”
Both men were issued a $200 infringement notice.
In another incident on Friday, officers from Police Transport Command observed a 63-year-old woman not wearing a mask at Epping Railway Station.
“When questioned, the woman became argumentative with police and refused to identify herself,” Police said.
The woman was arrested for the purposes of identification and was found to have had prior warnings for not wearing a mask. She was issued a $200 infringement notice.
“”Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community,” Police said.
