NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has echoed community praise ahead of the upcoming easing of restrictions and urged the NSW community to keep it up.
As Hunter residents and businesses prepare for easing of restrictions under the Public Health Act this Friday, May 15, Commissioner Fuller is reminding everyone in NSW that their actions and behaviour may impact the timings for the next stages.
"When Premier Berejiklian outlined the upcoming changes to COVID-19 restrictions in NSW, she included a very important message - our way forward depends on you," the Commissioner said.
"The NSW Police Force was given special powers for the pandemic in the interest of public health and safety - powers that I delegated carefully and am overseeing personally.
"I've been overwhelming pleased with community compliance.
"With 187 charges laid and 1212 PINs issued out of eight million residents, I feel that the community understands the risks of this virus and the role we all must play in protecting each other."
The average number of PINs issued per day throughout the month of April was 39, with a peak over the Easter long weekend.
So far in May, the average number of PINs issued was nine, police said.
In the last three days, police have issued a total of 14 PINs - three on Friday, seven on Saturday, and four on Sunday.
"Based on the 17,000 calls we have had to Crime Stoppers since 17 March, it is also clear that people want everyone to do their bit to stop the spread and soon see some form of normalcy return to life," the Commissioner said.
"Health experts have said that without a vaccine life can't go back to normal, but if we continue to show high levels of adherence to the Ministerial Directions, we can continue to edge closer to normal life - and hopefully, sooner."
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: on1800 333 000 or online
