A man spotted at a gathering outside a family home in Parkes has caught the attention of police for disobeying new restrictions under the Public Health Act on Tuesday.
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Just before 6.30pm, police patrolling Parkes saw numerous people gathering outside a local residence.
Officers identified that one person in the group, a 26-year-old man, was not a family member.
It's alleged the man failed to heed several warnings and requests by police to leave the area.
Police said he eventually left after being issued a move along direction.
The man's penalty infringement notice is one of three NSW Police have issued since the new Public Health restrictions came into effect at midnight on Monday, March 30.
These restrictions enforce social distancing rules the NSW Government says will deal with the public health risk of COVID-19 and its possible consequences.
As part of the order, people must not gather in groups of more than two people unless they are direct family or household members, or it is essential for work or education.
"With updated state-wide figures now at hand, police can confirm three individuals were yesterday (Tuesday) issued with an infringement notice for 'Not comply with noticed direction (Section 7/8/9 - COVID-19)'," a NSW Police statement read.
A 39-year-old man was stopped about 10.30am on Tuesday after being seen washing car windscreens at the intersection of Woodville Road and the Hume Highway at Chester Hill.
Police will allege the man indicated he had no intention of complying with the Public Health Order, stating "It's just a virus, it's not that bad".
He was issued a move along direction and an infringement notice for 'Pedestrians not to cause a traffic hazard or obstruction/Pedestrian stand on road to wash or offer to wash windscreen'.
Later that day, police saw four people drinking alcohol outside a closed hotel on Bankstown City Plaza about 2.30pm.
Although three people from the group left upon speaking with police, it's alleged a 57-year-old man became abusive and refused their directions to leave.
He was also searched, given an infringement notice for offensive language and moved on.
NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller said police will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the wider community.
"I have said time and time again that one of the most important powers police have is the power of discretion," he said in the statement.
"Additional powers have been introduced with good reason and I encourage my officers to use them in the spirit in which they were intended - to keep the people of NSW safe throughout this crisis.
"I'd encourage people to continue to do the right thing without the need for police involvement and the use of these new powers.
"A good rule of thumb is that if you are questioning whether you should be doing something, it is best to give it a miss," Commissioner Fuller said.
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