A Sydney massage parlour owner, three staff members and a returned traveller from the Lake Macquarie area are the first individuals and businesses in NSW to receive infringements for breaching new rules related to COVID-19.

On Thursday, police conducted a patrol in the Sydney CBD as part of an operation to ensure individuals and businesses were complying with all ministerial directions related to the coronavirus pandemic.

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As a result of these inspections, a massage parlour on Sussex Street was identified as still operating, contrary to a Public Health Order, NSW Police said.

Officers spoke with the female owner of the business and issued her with a $5000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for failing to comply with the new rules, which include the closure of massage parlours and beauty salons.

Three female staff members were also issued with $1000 PINs.

Quarantine order

In a separate incident, last Saturday a 65-year-old woman arrived at Sydney International Airport on a flight from Bali.

She was advised she was subject to a Public Health Order and was told to quarantine for a 14-day period.

After receiving information that the woman had contravened the order, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended her Redhead home on Monday and issued her with a warning for breaching the order.

The woman breached the order again on Thursday morning and was issued with a $1000 fine for failing to comply, police said.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said the rules could not be clearer and they apply to everyone.

‘No-one above law’

“No-one is above the law,” he said.

“If you decide to ignore a direction, you will be caught, and you may very well find yourself slapped with a hefty fine.

Chevron Right Icon ‘This behaviour is not only reckless and stupid but potentially deadly.’

“The fact that people are still not complying is the reason why we have police out in full force enforcing these directions.

“This behaviour is not only reckless and stupid but potentially deadly.”

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NSW Police officers now have the additional power to issue Penalty Infringement Notices to anyone found to be in contravention of a ministerial direction under the Public Health Act.

PINs carry on-the-spot fines of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.