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".

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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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