NSW Police have announced amendments to the Public Health Order which came into effect on Monday (14 September) and which could now see people charged with a $1,000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PINs) for attending gatherings exceeding the 20-person limit.
The Police said that previously only the organiser of the gathering was liable to receive the fine if the number of people at the premises breached the Public Health Order, but now every person in attendance is to be held individually responsible for the breach.
Commander of the Police’s Operation Corona Virus, Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell said the amendments had been made with community safety in mind.
“Coming into the warmer months, and with end-of-year festivities around the corner, it’s only natural that people will have additional reasons to want to gather and get together,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
“These amendments aim to ensure that an increase in expected gatherings doesn’t mean an increase in COVID-19 cases,” he said.
“The new changes come in addition to other restrictions which remain in place, including a limit on numbers at outdoor gatherings and licensed premises.”
Assistant Commissioner Crandell said other amendments had also come into effect that impacted places of worship, auctions, open homes, weddings and party buses.
Detailed information on the amendments to the Public Health Order can be accessed at this PS News link.
