With the COVID situation continuously changing, police have been flooded with questions from the public about what they can and can't do given all the restrictions.
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One of the most popular questions police receive from the public is about construction workers and whether they are allowed to travel into regional NSW from Greater Sydney for work.
Another question is whether people, who have farms in the area, are allowed to tend to their livestock.
In response to the first question, work is permitted at construction sites in regional NSW as long as the workers do not live in or are not temporarily staying in a local government area of concern.
Workers from regional NSW, but excluding those living in or staying in a local government area of concern, can work at construction sites in Greater Sydney and local government areas of concern.
Workers at a site in regional NSW who are living in or staying in Greater Sydney must be tested for the virus in the seven days before working. They must have proof of their test such as an SMS text message on their phone or an email addressed to them and proof of their home address or temporary accommodation in Greater Sydney.
In response to the second question, animal owners have a legal responsibility to ensure the welfare of their livestock and companion animals, but permits will be required to leave the Greater Sydney area from 12.01am on Saturday August 21.
If a person owns or manage livestock on a rural property and need to undertake practices to ensure their welfare, they can do so following the public health order rules including isolating and stay-at-home orders if travelling from a COVID-affected area. This includes always wearing a mask, always following social distancing requirements, and avoiding any contact with others and whilst travelling, taking the most practicable route and only stop for essential purposes.
The sheer number of questions police have received, however, has caused people reporting crime to have trouble getting through.
"We appreciate the host of questions that everyone have right now," a NSW Police spokesperson said.
"Police are not empowered to provide you special exemption for any purpose.
"You must be able to justify absence from your home under the rules listed.
"Please consider this when contacting your local station, as phone lines need to be free for people who require assistance in relation to a crime or hazard."
For COVID breaches in your area, call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
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