As the spring weather heats up, the days grow longer and people want to spend more time outdoors or having barbecues with a group of friends, amendments have been made to the Public Health Order that puts everyone at risk for a fine if they breach regulations.

Most significantly are the changes relating to private gatherings with all attendees now risking $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) if the gathering exceeds the allowed 20-person limit.

Where previously, only the organiser of a gathering was liable to receive a fine if the number of people at the premises breached the Public Health Order, every person in attendance will now be held individually responsible for the breach.

The changes, which came into effect at midnight yesterday (Monday 14 September 2020), aim to ensure the safety of the community ahead of an expected increase in gatherings associated with Christmas and end-of-year festivities.

Operation Corona Virus Commander, Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell, said that as with the previous restrictions, these amendments have been made with community safety in mind.

“Coming into the warmer months, and with end-of-year festivities around the corner, it’s only natural that people will have additional reasons to want to gather and get together,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.

“These amendments aim to ensure that an increase in expected gatherings doesn’t mean an increase in COVID-19 cases.

“The new changes come in addition to other restrictions which remain in place, including a limit on numbers at outdoor gatherings and licensed premises.

“NSW Police will continue to work with the community to ensure compliance to all restrictions under the Public Health Order.

“While the vast majority of people within NSW are doing their part, we will continue to target those who don’t,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.

The new changes are outlined below;