Police continue to urge the community cooperate and follow guidelines after handing out more than 200 penalty infringement notices for breaches of COVID-19 restrictions across the state on Wednesday.
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Deputy Commissioner Gary Warboys, State Emergency Operations Controller, said police across NSW responded to almost 1,000 COVID-19 related jobs that day, with almost 600 of those coming from reports to Crime Stoppers.
He encouraged people to continue reporting incidents, but admitted the sheer number of incidents was concerning, with around 400 people detected breaching Public Health Orders - not just in Sydney, but regional NSW as well.
"While the vast majority of the community is doing the right thing it is concerning that three weeks into these restrictions we are seeing an increase in non-compliance.
"As more people do the wrong thing the more chance there is of the virus spreading."
In total, 203 PINs were issued on Wednesday, with 93 of those being $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
A further 19 people were charged with failing to comply with Public Health Orders, the majority of those charges were associated with other criminal offences.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott reminded people of the serious risk that this Delta variant of COVID-19 poses to the entire state.
"We are dealing with an increased risk of transmission of the virus ... and now is not the time to lose our resolve," Mr Elliott said.
"I want to remind people ... not to be complacent, this Delta variant highly transmissible, so please abide by the rules no matter where you are in the state."
Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing, Regional NSW Field Operations, said high-visibility operations have shown there is nowhere to hide in regional areas.
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"If you live in Greater Sydney and are thinking of travelling in contravention of the public health order, you should be aware that if police don't pull you over proactively, the community will let us know you're there," he said.
"Regional people are actively working with police to protect themselves and their loved ones, which is so important given the incredibly contagious nature of the Delta strain."
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
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