DEDICATED police have been tasked to carry out COVID-safe compliance checks almost daily but rumours and fear mongering on social media is fuelling fear across the Tamworth community. "Just because it appears on Facebook doesn't mean it's a breach," Oxley Chief Inspector Kylie Chinnery told the Leader. Multiple "alleged isolation" and COVID breach cases in Tamworth, and the wider Oxley area, are being spread across Facebook. Earlier this week, a Tamworth chemist said it had notified authorities and taken extra precautions including cleaning after a reported "potential breach". What was being spread on Facebook wasn't the actual facts. Police said similar allegations are not being reported to police, or investigations prove them to be false reports - or not what they seem. READ ALSO: "If someone is breaching the public health orders or self-isolation orders and guidelines, or whatever the allegation, we will investigate and can take action," Chief Inspector Chinnery said. Police have received reports of parties, too many in gatherings as well as businesses not complying, and each day officers are tasked with investigating, patrolling and carrying out compliance checks. Those checks also include self-isolation checks for those who are meant to stay put after entering NSW. "We receive information from Service NSW from entry permit holders," Chief Inspector Chinnery said. "So then we can look at people's compliance with those entry permits." As of midnight on Tuesday, the current entry permits expire with a new system in place that requires people to enter. "People who have entered Tamworth, and Gunnedah and the entire Oxley Police District who has applied for one and granted one prior to midnight that will expire. But since July 8, under that process, we have their contact details, and we task our officers in those areas," Chief Inspector Chinnery said. "My officers go to those addresses as to where they have listed and talk to them on the phone at the house and we sight them, to ensure they are complying. "We create a record of that, so that if there are any issues they're not complying." Chief Inspector Chinnery said there was minimal reports of people breaking the conditions. "Most have been compliant, most are doing the right thing," she said. "Police are still receiving sporadic reports too many people gatherings at places here and there, and licensed premises have too many people in it, certain businesses not complying with all of those conditions." COVID-safe enforcement has changed the way police work everyday. "It has taken over what our officers do, and changed the way we operate but we have been quite lucky in our area that it hasn't affected our towns like it has in other places, like Sydney or down in Victoria," Chief Inspector Chinnery said. "We haven't experienced that yet, the way we have achieved what we have here is by people following the guidelines; it just takes one case, then that one case can take hold. "We encourage people to continuing doing the right thing; following the public health rules." That means knowing the rules - regardless how much they change. "It's not an excuse, not knowing the rules," Chief Inspector Chinnerye said. "There is an expectation that people will follow, understand and comply with the public health orders and COVID-19 isolation guidelines, and take time to ensure this to keep themselves, their families and communities safe." As of midnight on Tuesday, new permits for residents in border zones only allow for travel within the border zone in which they reside for work or education, and to obtain medical care or health services. If a border resident travels beyond the designated border zone, they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days after they return to NSW. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, including a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN). It is also an offence to provide false information when applying for exemptions, with a maximum penalty of up to $22,000 or two years behind bars.
