With warmer weather and longer days ahead, amendments have been made to the NSW Public Health Order – most significantly relating to private gatherings.
Previously, only the organiser of a gathering was liable to be fined if the number of people at the premises breached the Public Health Order, whereas every person attending will now be held individually responsible for the breach.
Operation Corona Virus Commander, Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell, said the amendments, which came into effect at midnight on Monday, September 14, were 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,” Asst Comm Crandell said.
“These amendments aim to ensure that an increase in expected gatherings doesn’t mean an increase in COVID-19 cases.
“The new changes come in addition to other restrictions which remain in place, including a limit on numbers at outdoor gatherings and licensed premises.
“NSW Police will continue to work with the community to ensure compliance to all restrictions under the Public Health Order.
“While the vast majority of people within NSW are doing their part, we will continue to target those who don’t.”
Murray River Police District western sectors Inspector Paul Huggett said police would be patrolling and paying particular attention to noise complaints and reported parties.
"With the lifting of restrictions, it is incumbent on the whole of community to do the right thing to ensure we are all safe," he said.
"I would encourage the community to use a common sense approach to the amended Public Health Order where all persons present have the duty to maintain numbers."
Other amendments have also come into effect that impact places of worship, auctions/open homes, weddings, and party buses.
To view the restrictions on gatherings and movement in full, visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules
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