Community leaders are begging mask shirkers to take the new restrictions seriously, as many Wagga residents continue to openly flout the rules.
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The new rules kicked in on Saturday across all of regional NSW, meaning that all residents must wear a mask when at outdoor events or in a non-residential building.
Member for Wagga Joe McGirr, who is in self-isolation, said he fully supported the government's new rules for regional NSW.
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Dr McGirr said the regulation were a tough, but necessary step to prevent a further outbreak and even harsher lockdowns down the line.
"I think this is a very reasonable step and if it doesn't work we'll end up in a full lockdown, and we don't want to see that happen," Dr McGirr said.
"If we're going to avoid a full lockdown and keep the virus at bay, we've got to wear these masks."
Murrumbidgee Local Health District COVID coordinator Emma Field said they would be enforcing the mask-wearing rules in the hospitals for the sake of the staff and patients.
Ms Field also appealed to the broader community to practice the same vigilance by following the NSW government's rules and guidelines this holiday season.
"The situation with this latest strain of the COVID-19 virus is fast evolving and we ask our communities to continue to support the effort by maintaining COVID safety," Ms Field said.
"Particularly during this time as we enter school holidays we appeal to people to be especially vigilant with their COVID physical distancing, hand hygiene and mask wearing."
Forum Cinema 6 manager Craig Lucas said they would be enforcing masks and QR check-ins at the theatre.
Mr Lucas said there had been a few grumblings from a couple patrons, but that the vast majority of theatregoers were happy to comply.
He said the last-minute announcement had been an unpleasant surprise, but that he still counted himself lucky that the restrictions were not as bad as metropolitan areas.
"We've been pretty good in Wagga. We haven't had the dramas of Melbourne, so it could be a lot worse. If you were running a cinema in Sydney at the moment you'd be shut," Mr Lucas said.
"We're lucky living in the bush, thank goodness."
NSW Police deputy commissioner Gary Worboys said officers would be making sure that citizens follow the new mask requirements.
"It annoys me no end that people think they can behave as per normal," Mr Worboys said.
"I've spoken a number of times to police commanders this morning and be rest assured we will continue to do our very best, but we also ask for shared responsibility, for people to take notice of the health orders and understand the position they put themselves in and other people."
Under the rules, gatherings are limited to one person per four square metres, both indoors and outdoors.
Dancing is banned at all pubs and clubs, and singing is also prohibited inside of buildings as well as churches. Patrons must sit down while at venues.
Home visits are capped at five guests per household, including children.
Residents returning to Wagga must self-isolate for 14 days if they were in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong or Shellharbour on or after June 21.
Self-isolating individuals can only leave their homes for essential trips, such as grocery shopping, doctors appointments, and emergency situations.
All people must wear a face mask while outside their home unless they are under the age of 12, eating or drinking, or have an underlying health condition.
A list of the government's COVID rules can be found on their website: nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules
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