The NSW Police Force will continue to assist in the enforcement of all COVID-19-related ministerial directions through high-visibility policing operations.
A number of ministerial directions remain in place, covering returned overseas travellers, diagnosed persons, mass gatherings and movement, spitting and coughing, residential aged care facilities and the recent announcement of restrictions for affected persons from interstate COVID hotspots.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce these orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply, which include a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.
As part of the NSW Police Force’s commitment to assisting NSW Health reduce the risk of community spread, police officers across the state will be conducting proactive, high-visibility activity.
This includes providing a presence at Sydney Airport and regional airports, as required, to assist NSW Health staff, who are screening passengers arriving from Victoria.
Travellers who are departing from or arriving at airports in NSW are urged to adhere to the directions of airline staff, airport security, and NSW Health practitioners/officers.
Officers from Police Transport Command will also provide assistance to NSW Health at Central Railway Station for the arrival of XPT services from Melbourne.
In addition, Police Districts with borders to Victoria will be supported by Traffic and Highway Patrol to conduct high-visibility patrols and random vehicle stops.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
