TOUGH penalties are in place for people exposed to novel coronavirus who fail to self-isolate, but it is still unclear who enforces them and where to report it.
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In Tamworth, a member of the community who wished to remain anonymous said he tried to report a known self-quarantine breach and was turned away from both the Police Assistance Line and National Coronavirus [covid-19] Helpline.
"It is very concerning because it can affect me substantially, I'm self-employed so if I get exposed to it and have to go into quarantine I have no income for 14-days," he said.
"The lack of regard from some people trying to prevent the spread of it could adversely affect me."
Any returned travellers and those who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of covid-19 are required to self-isolate for two weeks.
Anyone who fails to comply with the NSW Public Health Act self-isolation rules faces an $11,000 fine or a six-month jail term, as well as added penalties for every day the offence continues.
The rules are set in stone, NSW Health Minister immediately banned all non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 people or more on Wednesday to curb the spread.
But even Oxley District Police are still waiting for information on how exactly it will be enforced on individuals who breach their 14-day self-isolation period.
Be respectful and thoughtful of each other.
- Sergeant Michael Moy
Sergeant Michael Moy said no instructions have been given on how to enforce self-isolation conditions.
"We are waiting for advice from our higher authority within the police, state and federal governments," he said.
"We're hoping from a community perspective that nobody goes out contrary to any of those directions that have been put out.
"We don't want people behaving poorly, we have seen some instances of that and we don't want behaviour that causes police intervention.
"Be respectful and thoughtful of each other."
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Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson he was aware that at this point in time police had not been given enforcement orders, but it was "common sense" to comply.
"No public health order has been issued in relation to self-isolation or isolation," he said.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
