There are now more than 1,700 confirmed coronavirus cases in New South Wales, with 24 people in intensive care.
NSW Health minister Brad Hazzard has warned anyone who ignores the new airport quarantine regulations could be fined $11,000 and be jailed for six months.
“The need for that isolation at quarantine in our hotels is absolutely crucial. We have still thousands of people coming in, our citizens and permanent residents, returning from some of the most dangerous places in the world for COVID-19,” Mr Hazzard said.
“To have this measure will certainly, hopefully, make a huge difference to ensuring those people are not out and about in the community until they are appropriately checked and in quarantine for the period of 14 days.”
He said he was ‘mortified’ by reports of stolen equipment from hospitals, like hand sanitiser.
“I’ve even heard reports of hand cleaner containers being ripped off the wall in hospitals.”
“I cannot think of anything more appalling. There are frontline staff who will keep you and your family alive.”
Mr Hazzard also expressed his disappointment with individuals flouting social distancing instructions.
“I cannot tell you how disappointed I am that there is a relatively small, but very significant section of the community, who think that the world is as it was in 2019. It is not. It is not,” he said.
“Every single person in New South Wales should be behaving today as if they have COVID-19.”
“Make sure you wash your hands as often as possible when you are out. And when you think you have washed your hands enough, do it again and again and again.”
Police have confirmed more than 1000 people landed on 12 planes at Sydney’s International Airport this morning, around a quarter less than expected.
Around 30 people have been sent for further health checks.
