NSW Police patrolling Great Western Highway on look out for Sydney motorists

Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, went into a lockdown in June, and since then a number of police officers have been called to Lithgow to assist with a 24-7 operation to patrol the Great Western Highway to prevent people from entering the region.

People within the Greater Sydney region are required to follow strict stay-at-home orders until at least August 28 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Chifley Police District Acting Superintendent Bruce Grassick said officers across the district have been engaging in COVID-19 operations during the course of the Public Health Order over the last seven weeks.

"All police in the district have been engaged in those COVID compliance operations within their own area of concern," he explained.

"They are also assisting the significant COVID operation that is running through Lithgow, on the Great Western Highway, which is a 24-7 operation running with Traffic and Highway Command."

While traffic remains consistent in Lithgow, Supt Grassick said there has been an easing of people attempting to break the Public Health Order.

"Over the course of the operation, we have still issued 40 infringements. That is concerning, but we are working in conjunction with Traffic and Highway Command to ensure that the movement of non exempt people is in accordance with the Public Health Order," he said.

"Anyone that is not exempt, appropriate action is being taken against them."

Supt Grassick stressed people need to be compliant with the Public Health Order.

"I can say the vast majority of people have been compliant and it's a small minority that are flouting the order and they are people that are unfortunately bringing the virus into the area," he said.

"We are understand there are exemptions and as long as people can provide sustainable documentation in relation to those exemption, they'll be free to pass those police compliance checks."

He said NSW Police was reliant on the community to not only comply with the health orders, but inform police if they believe others are not. The best way to do that is by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

"If you don't need to leave your house, stay at home," he added.

"If you are heading out for an essential reason, put on your mask, maintain physical distance, hand hygiene and make sure QR code check in when you're visiting sites."

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