The NSW Police Force has renewed calls for compliance with Public Health Orders after issuing more than 450 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for breaches in just 24 hours on the weekend.
In a statement, the Police Force said high-visibility operations were continuing across the State to target compliance with restrictions, including stay-at-home and self-isolation orders; wearing face masks; and using QR check-in codes.
It said officers were also conducting proactive patrols and responding to reports to Crime Stoppers.
Deputy Commissioner for Regional NSW Field Operations for the NSW Police Force, Mick Willing urged people in regional areas to maintain vigilance and compliance with the health orders to prevent COVID-19 from spreading into their communities.
“The communities of Regional NSW have been doing a great job to keep the virus out of their areas and we need to keep up that good work; now is not the time for complacency,” Deputy Commissioner Willing said.
“It’s more important than ever that we fully comply with the Public Health Orders and report breaches, especially relating to visitors from any of the areas subject to stay-at-home orders,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Willing said the key to stopping the spread of the virus was to work together and he implored all regional communities to “do what they do best in difficult circumstances – band together and support each other”.
The Deputy Commissioner said police were encouraged by the community’s support of COVID-19 operations, shown through the reporting of rule breaking to Crime Stoppers.
“The message is pretty simple: If you don’t need to leave the house, stay home,” he said.
“The Public Health Orders have been introduced for the health and safety of everyone and, while there is a significant police presence, our officers would prefer to not issue fines,” Deputy Commissioner Willing said.
