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AN individual can now be fined $11,000 for leaving their home without a "reasonable excuse" after tough new restrictions started on Tuesday. A public health order is now in place to enforce social distancing rules that the NSW Government says will deal with the public health risk of COVID-19 and its possible consequences. Under the order, "a person must not, without reasonable excuse, leave the person's place of residence". READ MORE: When a COVID-19 case rise of 12 per cent is good news The NSW Government Gazette lists acceptable excuses as: obtaining food or other goods and services; travelling for work or education if the person cannot do it at home; exercise; and medical or caring reasons. In addition, the order directs that people must not gather in groups of more than two people in public places, exceptions include: gatherings of members of the same household, and gatherings essential for work or education. READ MORE: Wage subsidy package to soften virus' blow Penalties for an individual who fails to comply are six months jail or a fine of up to $11,000 (or both), plus a further $5500 fine each day the offence continues. Corporations that fail to comply with a direction are liable to a fine of $55,000 and $27,500 each day the offence continues. A full list of reasonable excuses can be found in Schedule 1 of the order. READ MORE: "It's like having a tattoo" Psychiatrist warns of potential mental health impacts from COVID-19 pandemic We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.
GOING OUT: From Tuesday, March 31 an individual can be given a $11,000 fine for leaving home without a 'reasonable excuse'. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK
AN individual can now be fined $11,000 for leaving their home without a "reasonable excuse" after tough new restrictions started on Tuesday.
A public health order is now in place to enforce social distancing rules that the NSW Government says will deal with the public health risk of COVID-19 and its possible consequences.
Under the order, "a person must not, without reasonable excuse, leave the person's place of residence".
The NSW Government Gazette lists acceptable excuses as: obtaining food or other goods and services; travelling for work or education if the person cannot do it at home; exercise; and medical or caring reasons.
In addition, the order directs that people must not gather in groups of more than two people in public places, exceptions include: gatherings of members of the same household, and gatherings essential for work or education.
Penalties for an individual who fails to comply are six months jail or a fine of up to $11,000 (or both), plus a further $5500 fine each day the offence continues.
Corporations that fail to comply with a direction are liable to a fine of $55,000 and $27,500 each day the offence continues.
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.
