Berala Virus Lockdown in NSW Not Ruled Out

NSW health Minister Brad Hazzard speaks at a press conference in Sydney, Australia on June 25, 2020. Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

Sydneysiders who flout new mandatory mask rules from Jan. 4 risk a $200 fine as the public health order comes into effect.

But Health Minister Brad Hazzard has asked NSW police to exercise discretion in handing out fines to those who ignore the new rules.