A series of new restrictions have come into effect Australia-wide overnight, with indoor and outdoor meetings being limited to a maximum of two people.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, including people who live in the same household going out, if you’re attending a funeral (which has a maximum of 10 people) or attending a wedding (which has a maximum of five people).

The Australian government has also urged people to stay indoors, but you are able to leave your house if:

• You are shopping for essentials, such as food and sanitary items
• Require medical or healthcare
• Have compassionate caring duties
• Are exercising outdoors (while keeping a safe distance from others and only with one other person or people of the same household)
• Are working or studying and unable to do so from home

Other public spaces, such as outdoor gyms, skate parks and playgrounds will be closed. Police have new powers to issue on-the-spot fines, which vary between states and territories.

There are two sets of fines. The first set of fines applies to people who disobey social distancing measures and covers issues like gathering in groups of more than two people.

The second set of fines is for people who are meant to be in self-quarantine but are caught breaching quarantine.

The state and territory fines are as follows:

NSW

Fines of up to $11,000 and up to six months jail for leaving home without a valid reason and fines of $11,000 and up to six months’ jail for breaching quarantine.

Victoria

On the spot fines are being issued of $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses ignoring social distancing rules. There are also fines of almost $19,826 for individuals and $100,000 for companies breaching quarantine.

Queensland

On the spot fines are being issued of $1,334 for individuals and $6,672 for businesses ignoring social distancing rules, and fines of up to $13,345 for individuals breaching quarantine.

Western Australia

On the spot fines are being issues of $1,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses ignoring social distancing rules. Fines of up to $50,000 or one year’s jail time are being issued for breaching quarantine.

Northern Territory

Fines of up to $62,000 are being issued for breaching quarantine.

South Australia

On the spot fines of $1,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses ignoring social distancing rules. There are also fines of up to $25,000 being issued for breaching quarantine.

Tasmania

On the spot fines of up to $2,000 and possible arrest are being issued for flouting social distancing rules. Fines of $16,800 and up to six months’ jail are issued for breaching quarantine.

Australian Capital Territory

On the spot fines are being issued for individuals who ignore social distancing rules and fines of $8,000 are being issued for individuals breaching quarantine. Fines of $40,500 for corporations are being issued if they breach quarantine.

With 4,245 confirmed cases around the country, a total of 18 Australians died from COVID-19. Tasmania and ACT announcing their first deaths today.