Police will enforce new COVID-19 regulations in the Southern Highlands after 44 people across the state were fined for breaching public health orders.
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Southern Highlands Police Inspector Jason Horne said police were out and about over the weekend to ensure members of the public complied with the latest COVID-19 health orders.
Inspector Horne said he had observed 99.9 per cent of the community wear masks.
"It's a great thing," he said.
"The health orders are a dynamic and fluid situation that can change hourly. I hope the community continues to respect them.
"It's incumbent to wear a mask. It's a $200 fine if people don't comply."
Inspector Horne said he had also noticed that business had complied with the latest health orders and some businesses had displayed signs which indicated that customers had to wear masks to be served.
"It's really positive," he said.
"Shops have sanitisers and QR codes. Compliance has been excellent and I am grateful."
However one resident, Bruce Mumford, said he felt that "people weren't taking the Covid crisis and lockdown seriously and that people were escaping from Sydney".
"Unfortunately for us, many of those who like to visit here come from the eye of the storm - the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney," he said.
"And despite the mandate, far too many selfish shoppers still refuse to wear masks. Surely the least retailers could do is to refuse to serve these people?"
Inspector Horne said that no fines had been issued in relation to masks not worn or people ignoring stay at home orders.
"It's an expensive road trip for anyone who visits from Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour," he said.
"Fines are $1000 for individuals that don't comply."
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Information is treated in strict confidence. The public has been reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
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