People in New South Wales can now face six months in jail and fines of up to $11,000 for breaching a new ministerial directive giving police sweeping powers to enforce regulations aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus. The NSW Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020, signed by health minister Brad Hazzard at 10:20pm on Monday night, makes it unlawful for people to leave their place of residence outside of 16 "reasonable excuses". Acceptable “reasonable excuses” include: to “obtain food or other goods and services", travel to work and education if it can’t be done from home, exercise, for medical or caring reasons, to donate blood, and access public services such as welfare or domestic violence support.
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