Coronavirus: Goulburn police enforce strict new health laws

The regulations give police power to issue on-the-spot fines of $1000 and possible jail time for those who break social distancing and self-isolation rules. Businesses that break the same rules face a $5000 penalty.

On Monday, the state government gazetted stiffer penalties, including an $11,000 fine for anyone who leaves their house without a "reasonable excuse."

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A schedule lists 16 reasons, the key ones being obtaining food or other goods and services; travelling for work or education if the person cannot do it at home; exercise; and medical or caring needs.

Inspector Matt Hinton said police had received many reports from the community.

"(But) it's good to see the streets are sparse and there are not many people simply walking around. The laws are generally being adhered to," he said.

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Officers are checking on those confirmed with coronavirus, ensuring that they're self isolating for 14 days. They are also the community heeds the warnings about mass gatherings.

Inspector Hinton said on Tuesday that all the cases of coronavirus in Goulburn Mulwaree were contracted overseas. The information was imparted to the Emergency Operations Response committee, of which police are a member.

READ MORE: SNSWLHD confirms more coronavirus cases across district

Meantime, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said on Wednesday that no infringements police had been issued anywhere in NSW in connection with the new powers which commenced on Monday.

"In the last 24 hours only one infringement has been issued in the entire state for a breach of self-isolation and that infringement does not relate to increased powers in place since Monday," he said.

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"I am on the record that NSW Police Force continues to use discretion in applying these regulations and the community must continue to work with police and the government to ensure the safety of everyone."

However, three penalty infringement notices were issued on Tuesday under the Public Health Order.

At Parkes, patrolling officers said they saw numerous people gathering outside a residence.

They established that one person in the group, a 26-year-old man, was not a family member.

It's alleged he failed to heed several warnings and requests by police to leave the area. Police said he eventually left after being issued a move along direction.

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