The Port Macquarie-Hastings community is being urged to abide by social distancing measures after groups of people were seen gathering at beaches over the weekend.

Police will continue to work in the community to ensure residents are educated about their responsibilities.

Lake Cathie resident Tony Evans said Town Beach was packed with people on Saturday, April 4.

He said people were standing around in groups and some were sun-baking.

Mr Evans voiced his concerns over their behaviour and said people should be abiding by social distancing measures to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.

Read more: Mid North Coast Police District and lifesavers enforce COVID-19 social distancing measures

In the lead up to the Easter break, Mr Evans is worried people will continue to break the rules.

Under rules issued by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, to reduce the spread of COVID-19, people are to stay at home and only go out if it is absolutely essential.

From Tuesday, March 31 an individual can be fined $11,000 or be sent to jail for six months, or both, for leaving their home without a "reasonable excuse".

Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said for the most part local residents are doing a good job and staying home during this very testing time, but some people are not following the rules which is disappointing.

"It cannot be any clearer - if you want to go to the beach for a swim or to exercise, do it and then go straight home," she said.

"Social distancing and gathering rules apply (ie no more than two people are permitted to gather in a public place).

"Those who do not comply risk an infringement notice or imprisonment for up to 6 months under the Public Health (COVID-19) Order 2020."

Recently popular beaches in Sydney were closed after large numbers of people gathered at the coastal locations.

"We don't want to have our local beaches closed like those at Bondi and Manly, but if people continue to do the wrong thing and not practice social distancing and gathering restrictions, then that could be an option taken by authorities," Mrs Williams said.

A spokesperson from NSW Police said as yet no fines have been issued within the Mid North Coast Police District in relation to people not abiding by the COVID-19 regulations.

The spokesperson said there's no suggestion or information that licences are being checked to determine where people are coming from or going to.

Police are continuing to work with community members and educate them on all the new rules and restrictions.

"Police are regularly conducting patrols at highly-populated areas and will engage with the public to ensure they are aware of the social distancing regulations," the spokesperson said.

"We are urging the community to work with us and not gather in mass groups as we approach the Easter long weekend."

For information on your responsibilities, click here.

Following the introduction of a COVID-19-related incident reporting option through the Crime Stoppers NSW website (www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au), police across the state have been assessing information and responding, as required.

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