Oxley police ask for vigilance, compliance with new rules as Tamworth and Gunnedah residents emerge from COVID-19 lockdown

Oxley police commander Superintendent Kylie Endemi said police will pivot rapidly to respond to the changed restrictions, which come into effect first thing Saturday morning when the COVID-19 lockdown lifts.

She said there has been a highly visible police presence throughout the pandemic and that's not going to change now.

"We certainly want people to be able to enjoy the new-found freedoms that the public health order provides, but at the same time, we really need people to do the right thing and not abuse that either," she said.

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"It certainly is important for us to be highly visible right across our roads, in our CBDs, in the premises that will be open."

Superintendent Endemi said the local community could still be at risk of a virus outbreak and residents needed to remain vigilant.

Narrabri, also in the Oxley Police District, remains in lockdown after a positive case was confirmed in the community.

"It is a concern, that's the reality of it, and that's why we will be maintaining that really strong presence that we have held now for a number of weeks," she said.

Locals are reminded that only five people are allowed at a home; groups of 20 are allowed outside; and masks are still mandatory indoors.

A full list of rules can be found on the NSW Health website.

Travel in areas not subject to stay at home rules is not unlawful, but Superintendent Endemi asked locals to "work in the spirit" of the health orders to keep people safe and consider only travelling if necessary.

Only five penalty infringement notices were handed out by police across the Oxley district in the past day.

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