COVID-19 Gunnedah: local police will not tolerate social isolation, distancing breaches

The new rules, brought in amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, could see individuals slapped with fines of $1000 and businesses and corporations fines of $5000 for breaches.

They also extend to people who are not following self-isolation rules. People can also be jailed for up to six months under existing enforcement powers.

Read also:

Gunnedah police's Sergeant Terry Melville said officers would not be exercising tolerance.

"We will be enforcing these measures because it is saving lives. We do not want to cause panic but ... the sooner we do this, the sooner it'll be okay, the quicker life will be back to normal," Sgt Melville said.

"If anyone has information that people aren't doing the right thing they should call Crime Stoppers."

Sgt Melville told the NVI that even though Gunnedah is "in a country location", people can't be complacent with the situation.

"I can't stress enough to follow simple instructions on social gatherings and if anyone thinks they may be at risk [of having COVID-19], it is imperative they self isolate," he said.

The government's guidelines state that everyone must:

If anyone has information about potential breaches to the laws, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

We have removed our paywall from our stories about coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we aim to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.