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Dozens of protesters could face police action after marching through a shopping centre in Western Sydney, demanding the NSW Government lift their face mask mandate.
Children were sighted among the crowd of about 100 people as they stormed the Westfield centre in Parramatta on Saturday, erupting in bizarre chants of “No more masks” and “I would rather be a human than a slave.”
Some carried signs claiming coronavirus was a scam while others declared they would “not be muzzled”.
Under Greater Sydney’s current coronavirus restrictions, masks are mandatory in shopping centres and supermarkets, aged care centres, places of worship, indoor entertainment and on public transport.
The State Government has also recommended wearing a mask in other situations when social distancing is not possible.
Fines of up to $200 apply for disobeying public health orders without a valid excuse.
A spokeswoman for NSW Police confirmed to NCA Newswire officers had attended the shopping centre and were “conducting inquiries to identify any possible breaches”.
It comes after NSW recorded one new case of COVID-19 on Saturday – acquired locally in Western Sydney, and before a further six were recorded on Sunday, all linked to the case reported the day before.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard earlier slammed anti-maskers as “arrogant” and “dopey” following a number of incidents across Sydney last week.
Two men were arrested at the Wetherill Park Shopping Centre after assaulting police when they were questioned for not wearing masks.
In Windsor, 25-year-old man allegedly stabbed a man following a dispute over wearing a mask.
“If you don’t have a medical reason to not wear a mask, not wearing a mask is arrogant, selfish, and actually dopey,” Mr Hazzard said.
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