MEMBERS of a camping group have each been issued with a $1000 fine after police say they were flouting legislation to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
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The Public Health Act was recently upgraded to curb COVID-19's spread and it prevents people from gathering in groups and leaving home without a 'reasonable excuse'.
At 9pm on Saturday, officers from the Chifley Police District attended a camp site in Newnes State Forest, about 15 kilometres from Lithgow, after reports of a group of people camping.
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They group was moved on as they did not live together and or have a reasonable excuse for being away from home.
Four men - aged 18, 19, 32 and 48 - were issued with a $1000 penalty infringement notice (PIN) each.
Meanwhile, this comes on the same day when police issued a $1000 PIN to a 32-year-old Lithgow man.
Bankstown police say he had also failed to comply with the Public Health Act after he was found at a hotel in Villawood at 11.15am.
Also on the Easter long weekend, another seven PINs were issued to Central West residents for not having a reasonable excuse for leaving their home during the COVID-19 restrictions.
READ MORE: 'Too early' to relax social distancing
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
