POLICE have warned Easter parties, family gatherings and travelling to see loved ones this long weekend is banned, and anyone that flouts the rules risks a $1000 fine.
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Parents have been told not to let their kids travel home from university or city locations, and family members are being urged to turn away relatives to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Oxley Superintendent Kylie Endemi said it was a difficult time, but the good work to curb COVID-19 locally would be undone if people flouted social distancing rules, or left home for catch-ups.
"For people who are thinking about travelling into our region this weekend or what is traditionally the school holiday period, don't do it," she said.
"For members of our community who are thinking about welcoming family and friends into their homes from outside this region, don't do it."
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On Monday night, two people were fined $1000 each in Quirindi for being out without a reasonable excuse, after the driver had been warned earlier that day. Three others have been hit with hefty fines in the New England.
Police usually gear up for one of the busiest times of the year on the roads at Easter and school holidays. This time the police blitz will be different.
"We will be on the roads and we don't want to see you," she said.
Superintendent Endemi took particular aim at "young people continuing to flout the rules". She said young people were the worst across the district for not complying with social distancing and public health orders, confirming several formal warnings had been issued.
"I cannot stress to you enough that you are not immune to this virus, none of us are immune," she said.
"You may think that it is safe to go to a friend's house and be in a private gathering, it is not.
"You are placing yourself at risk; you are placing your family members at risk; and you're placing at risk the frontline emergency services workers who have to come in and respond to that."
Superintendent Endemi overseas a command of close to 200 police that stretches from south of Willow Tree, out to Pilliga, north of Bendemeer and east to Yarrowitch.
She too said she wasn't able to see her family personally over the Easter break, like everyone.
Only essential travel is allowed. Unless you're getting groceries, medical supplies, working, or exercising in the company of one other person or with your household, then leaving home is prohibited.
Superintendent Endemi said it would be a tough time for parents and grandparents who cannot see their families but they too need to "make the sacrifice like we all have to".
"If you know people doing the wrong thing, call it out; if members of your family are doing the wrong thing, call it out," she said.
She said by now everyone should know the rules so there was no excuse, not even for family.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
