AN individual can now be fined $11,000 for leaving their home without a "reasonable excuse" after tough new restrictions started on Tuesday.
A public health order is now in place to enforce social distancing rules that the NSW Government says will deal with the public health risk of COVID-19 and its possible consequences.
Under the order, "a person must not, without reasonable excuse, leave the person's place of residence".
The NSW Government Gazette lists acceptable excuses as: obtaining food or other goods and services; travelling for work or education if the person cannot do it at home; exercise; and medical or caring reasons.
In addition, the order directs that people must not gather in groups of more than two people in public places, exceptions include: gatherings of members of the same household, and gatherings essential for work or education.
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Penalties for an individual who fails to comply are six months jail or a fine of up to $11,000 (or both), plus a further $5500 fine each day the offence continues.
Corporations that fail to comply with a direction are liable to a fine of $55,000 and $27,500 each day the offence continues.
A full list of reasonable excuses can be found in Schedule 1 of the order.
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