The Commander of the Murrumbidgee Police District has made it clear the region's police will be enforcing directions from the state's health minister and warned people will be fined if they fail to follow directions.
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A total of 18 penalty infringement notices were issued by NSW Police for breaches of the Public Health Act between April 3 and April 5.
Murrumbidgee Police District Commander Superintendent Craig Ireland said if police are required to act to ensure government directions are adhered to, they will.
"People should not be leaving home without a reasonable excuse," Superintendent Ireland said.
"If you disobey this direction, you can expect to be fined.
"We need to work together as a community and embrace these rules."
Superintendent Ireland's comments come as Murrumbidgee Police District officers opted to use existing move on powers to move on a 55-year-old man from an area of Benerembah Lane at 2.30pm on April 3.
Upon returning at 4pm, officers found the man in the same location, with the man unable to provide a legitimate reason from being in the area.
The man was issued with a notice to attend court as a result.
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Superintendent Ireland said shopping for food, travel for medical treatment and exercise are examples of reasonable excuses to be out and police will be enforcing the measures put in place which allows them to fine individuals breaching the Public Health Act.
"Police want to work with the public and would prefer that people follow the government directions so that we don't need to intervene," he said.
"But rest assured, if police are required to act, we will."
Maximum penalties for those found to be breaching the measures in NSW is up to six months in prison and/or a $11,000 fine, with an extra $5500 fine per day if individuals continue to fail to follow the measures.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Griffith police on 6969 4299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
