Police have given the go-ahead to exercise on top of Mount Canobolas and at Gosling Creek as part of a clarification around social distancing laws, but warned people still need to gather in groups of no more than two.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There's been uncertainty around the rules which dictate how far you can travel to and from exercise, but Central West Police District has confirmed both the mountain and Gosling Creek are considered part of Orange in regards to the travel laws.
CWPD Chief Inspector Peter Atkins said people still needed to be following social distancing guidelines while exercising - gathering in groups of no more than two, with exceptions for families - and maintain 1.5 metres distance.
However, he said as long as exercise was the reason for people driving to and from places like Gosling Creek it was acceptable.
"For example with Gosling Creek the only way to get there is to drive, so that would be acceptable," Chief Inspector Atkins said.
"If you were asking if you could go to the Blue Mountains over the weekend the answer would be no."
He said police in Orange had been impressed with how the city has adapted to social distancing laws, with only a handful of warnings handed out since Easter.
Chief Inspector Atkins said the warnings had been clarifying some parts of laws which were unclear, with no "fragrant violations" of social distancing laws and no fines handed out in Orange.
"I would say [people have been doing well], but moving forward we need to remain vigilant," he said.
He said officers had continued visiting retail and hospitality businesses which remained open across the city to ensure social distancing guidelines were being followed.
Businesses have reorganised in the wake of the coronvairus, with police impressed at the pivot to follow legislation limiting, among other things, numbers of people who can enter at any one time.
"Most retail shops which have remained open have adapted really well to new legislation," he said.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS AND SPORT?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...