Police and health officials from the western region of NSW have critisised dozens of people for participating in unauthorised protest activity yesterday (Tuesday 31 August).

Nine LGAs across the region, including Tamworth, Gunnedah, Mudgee, Armidale, Inverell, Glen Innes and Uralla, had small-scale protests surrounding the current lockdown orders impacting the state.

Similar protests were also conducted in other regional and urban regions of NSW.

Acting on information and intelligence, a deployment of more than 900 officers patrolled the areas believed to be targets of the protests, disrupting 79 across the state.

As a result of the protests, 153 people were arrested, many of whom were released after officers were able to establish their identity to issue a PIN.

Others were charged with a variety of offences including various breaches of the public health order, assault police, resist arrest, refusing to comply with police direction, and failing to move on.

At least 573 PINs were also issued to protesters across the state including not wear fitted masked covering in prescribed outdoor gathering ($500), not comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID-19 ($1000), and unlawfully participate in outdoor public gathering – stay at home order ($3000).

In the western region, at least 12 people were arrested and at least 91 Public Infringement Notices (PINs) of various amounts were issued.

Western Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said it was disappointing to see so many people disobeying the public health orders.

"It was small numbers of people totally disregarding their communities, their own safety and the safety of the police officers dealing with them," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said.

"Just mindless behaviour by people who aren't going to achieve anything in the long run."

During his daily COVID-19 update today (Wednesday 1 September) Chief Executive of the Western NSW Local Health District Scott McLachlan pointed out there would likely be an increase in case numbers post protest.

He said the behaviour was "beyond ridiculous" and asked for people to stay calm and use their common sense.

"To be honest, it scared me silly, I can't understand why people think it's okay to do this and take other people's lives into their hands," Mr McLachlan said.

Mr McLachlan also emphasised the importance of following the current restrictions, getting vaccinated and continuing to get tested if they display any signs and symptoms.

"We are seeing the benefit of the stay at home rules and the lockdown because people are not moving around," he said.

"If left to spread, COVID will multiply twofold every three days. We're not seeing that, but there are still concerning levels of people infectious in the community.

"The reality with delta and what more is to come, is that it is going to be with us for some time yet - we will see spikes and increases in coming days."

According to NSW Police, inquiries into the protest incidents are continuing and further PINs are expected to be issued, including for failing to comply with self-isolation direction ($5000).