$5000 fine for spitting or coughing
Carla Velasquez • April 20, 2020
All workers to be covered by new Police powers
On Sunday 19th April 2020, the NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard indicated that anyone at work or travelling to or from work would be protected from persons coughing or spitting on them.
The new Police powers include a significant $5000 on-the-spot fine. The power initially covered only NSW health care staff and police officers.
It has now been extended to cover all workers after several incidents involving retail and transport workers.
This includes, retail staff, transport staff, health workers, police, pharmacists, paramedics and any other public official.
Mr Hazzard stated "Every worker in this COVID-19 crisis is now an essential worker and will have the added protection they deserve, including those in retail stores and those critical to our public transport system."
This new fine sends a very clear and stern message that all essential workers must be protected. The move demonstrates the new "zero-tolerance" policy that the NSW Government is enacting.
The expansion commences on 20 April 2020. What are your thoughts on this new on-the-spot fine?
