But Lake Illawarra Commander Superintendent Dean Smith said that could change if people began to show flagrant disregard for the rules.

This week NSW police have new powers that allow them to issue fines up to $11,000 and/or six months' jail for those outside their house without a good reason, or for breaking the social gathering restrictions.

"Across the Illawarra police have not issued any infringements, either personal or for a business, since the introduction of the new powers under the health directive," Supt Smith said.

He said police have been encouraged to use discretion, with the initial focus being on making sure the person is informed about the new rules and ensuring they follow directions.

While there has not been the need to fine anyone in the Illawarra, Supt Smith said could change if the circumstances warranted.

"If we have to, because there is that total disregard, then our focus will be on compliance and the issuing of fines and the taking of legal action where that is appropriate," he said.

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Supt Smith said there had been some confusion around the new laws - "they are very difficult times for everybody" - but the public had been treating police with respect.

"We haven't had too many people who want to stand and argue the point with us," Supt Smith said.

"People are starting to understand the importance of staying at home when they should be at home and only being out when it's absolutely necessary."

Officers from Lake Illawarra have also been on site at Port Kembla this week, with oversight of the cruise ships docking to refuel and restock before following federal government directives to leave Australian waters.

To date as many as 10 people have been taken off cruise ships at Port Kembla since the first ship's arrival on Saturday.

"Our role at Port Kembla is making sure that the travel quarantine arrangements and the security of ports, in terms of people getting off cruise ships or commercial vessels, that they're not breaching those health directives that are in place," he said.

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