People planning to celebrate Mardi Gras in Sydney this weekend have been warned to follow COVID-19 restrictions, with police expected to target popular party locations across the city.
“This year’s parade will look significantly different to what we have seen previously,” Assistant Commissioner Gelina Talbot said.
“Our response will be a high-visibility and mobile response across a footprint including Sydney Cricket Ground, inside and outside, it includes Moore Park and the Entertainment Quarter, it will include Flinders Street and Oxford Street and Hyde Park.”
Police will also be increasing their presence on public transport to ensure crowd control and the wearing of masks.
“We are still in the middle of a pandemic, we can’t be complacent,” Ms Talbot said.
Gatherings at people’s homes are currently capped at 50 people.
Authorities said they expect most venues to be operating at capacity this weekend and urged anyone without a pre-booked event to celebrate at home.
“There are no street events and there will not be any lining up to get into venues,” Ms Talbot said.
“Anyone found committing any social behaviour that is criminal, violence or offensive will be identified quickly and you will be removed. Our priority is the safety of the community coming out to celebrate Mardi Gras.”
This content first appear on 9news