Two of the 151 fines relating to COVID-19 issued so far by NSW Police have been handed out in Waverley, which has the highest number of confirmed cases in the state and where crowded beaches have previously drawn strong criticism.

Police have handed out more than $165,000 worth of fines and dozens of court attendance orders related to public health orders aimed at slowing the spread of the virus, with about one-third of all fines issued in just four areas - Sydney City, Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool and Fairfield.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller says he will personally check every fine issued. Credit:Kate Geraghty

Health Minister Brad Hazzard also announced a new fine of $5000 and up to six months in prison for people who spit or cough on frontline workers on Thursday.

The announcement comes as unions say they have received dozens of reports of workers in a range of fields, including health and justice, being abused, spat and coughed on.