From 31 March 2020, the NSW Government says you must stay at home, unless you are going to:   (go to NSW Health website for the latest information)

• work and education, where you can’t work remotely
• shop for food and essentials
• medical needs or the care of others exercise.

Existing rules around ten people at funerals and five people at weddings still apply:

• If you go out, stay 1.5 metres away from other people at all times
• Wash your hands as soon as you get home.

Do not gather in public with more than 2 people except:

• for members of the same household
  where the gathering is essential for work or education.

These new restrictions are legally enforceable.

Anyone could spread the virus, even without knowing.

The Public Health Orders specifically say that ‘taking a holiday in a regional area is not a reasonable excuse’ for leaving home.

“This is not an option – it’s the law,” says the Member for Kiama and Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Gareth Ward.

“The maximum penalty is $11,000, or imprisonment for six months, or both and a further $5,000 penalty may apply for each day the offence continues.

“Thank you to the overwhelming majority of people who are doing the right thing.”

Before these latest round of measures were introduced, Mayor Mark Honey was keen to get people to change their behaviour.

“On the weekend a number of our beaches were crowded, and pubs were over flowing – so much so police were called,” Mayor Honey said.

“The simple message is: the party is over. If your lifestyle hasn’t changed, you are not taking this pandemic seriously.

“Please follow the advice of authorities when it comes to staying at home, and avoiding unnecessary trips and visits.

“This is not the time to go down the coast to your holiday house or caravan, or visit your relatives for a birthday.”

He said with school students soon to be at home, it was important for adults to show leadership when it came to COVID-19 precautions.

“Our youngsters will need support and instruction when they are at home.

“This is not a holiday, but a public health emergency.”