A 21st backyard birthday party has turned into an expensive ordeal for guests, after 11 people were slapped with fines for breaching COVID-19 restrictions in Gilgandra.
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Orana Mid-Western Police were called to a home on Wrigley Street in Gilgandra, following reports of a party on Saturday evening.
When police arrived they noticed a group of people in the backyard.
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Officers spoke with a 21-year-old occupant of the home who informed police she was hosting a 21st birthday party.
The woman was told about the five-guest limit in regional households under the Public Health Order, and as a result of inquiries, 11 people were issued a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing said police were working hard to combat COVID from reaching regional areas, particularly after recent announcements by NSW Health that people who were COVID-positive had been in the area.
"This again reinforces the need for us to abide by the current health orders," he said.
"The restrictions are in place to keep you and your communities safe.
"But unfortunately some people just aren't getting the message."
He said in the last 24 hours alone NSW Police had issued 201 PINs to people across NSW, with 121 of those issued in regional areas.
"Again its critically important we do all we can to stop this Delta variant from spreading and seeding itself in regional areas," Deputy Commissioner Willing said.
"For those who are abiding by the current health orders and are helping police thank you very much."