A PARTY of about 30 people was busted by police and another six warnings dished out in the first weekend that COVID-19 restrictions eased.
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NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced restrictions would ease from Friday to allow outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people and five visitors to a household at any one time.
In Tamworth, police have ramped up patrols and will continue to issue warnings and infringement notices to rule-breakers, Oxley Police District Superintendent Kylie Endemi said.
"Police did have calls to issue approximately seven warnings throughout the weekend," she said.
"I would like to remind people that we will continue to do that, we ask people to report and advise us if they are aware of any activity that might be in breach of the Public Health Orders and we will certainly respond."
The weekend marked the first time in months that cafes and restaurants could seat guests of up to 10 at a time.
Outdoor equipment and parks reopened to the public and there was a visible increase in the number of people in Tamworth's CBD.
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While the public are encouraged to support local businesses, it's important that individuals be responsible for social distancing as COVID-19 remains a threat to the community, Superintendent Endemi said.
"People have to take some personal responsibility for that, police can't be everywhere," she said.
"I think people are eager to see their friends and families like we all are, but the message is to take some responsibility.
"Don't anticipate the further easing of restrictions, wait until that actually happens."