news, local-news, coronavirus, covid19, covid2019, fine
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.
What do you think?
Follow us
Ad blocker issue
Your ad blocker may be preventing you from
being able to log in or subscribe.