Police will have the power to issue $1,000 on-the-spot fines to people caught flouting self-isolation or social distancing requirements in NSW during the coronavirus pandemic.
The move comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced tougher restrictions to try and slow the spread of the disease in the Australian community.
NSW police officers from Thursday will have the power to hand out fines of $1,000 to individuals and $5,000 to businesses that breach public health orders or ministerial directions, Commissioner Mick Fuller announced on Wednesday.
People in the firing line include returned travellers who contravene the requirement to self-quarantine for 14 days and those diagnosed with COVID-19 who similarly don't follow the rules.
Fines will also apply for breaches of the prohibition on outdoor gatherings of 500 people and indoor gatherings of 100 people.
"The police needed to stand up and say the community have to take this seriously, or more people will be affected and this virus could run on for many, many more months," Mr Fuller said.
Police have the power to apply penalties already in place under the Public Health Act, which means people can be jailed for six months and/or issued a fine of up to $11,000 if convicted.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller and NSW Police Minister David Elliott address media. Source: AAP
There'll be an increased police presence with officers conducting random checks on people who have been reported as possibly breaching quarantine requirements, NSW Police Minister David Elliott said on Wednesday.
"We need to kill this virus before it kills us," he said.
Mr Elliott didn't rule out introducing additional penalties either.
"We don't rule out any further developments when it comes to the enforcement of these regulations, everything is on the table."
Australians must stay at least 1.5 metres away from other people. Indoors, there must be a density of no more than one person per four square metres of floor space.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
