Maitland's Officer-in-Charge Chief Inspector Tony Townsend said public health and safety is the top priority for Police.

"Please observe the public health orders, particularly over the long weekend where temptation may arise to gather in groups to celebrate the NRL grand final," he said.

"The public health orders are in place for everyone's safety."

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Police will be enforcing stay-at-home orders as usual over the long weekend as per the NSW Public Health Orders.

Dr David Durrheim, Public Health Controller for HNE Health, has advised people not to gather in homes but to get outdoors in small groups of 5 fully vaccinated people to enjoy the grand final.

"Don't get together in people's homes, get outdoors in small groups of 5 and enjoy the sport," he said.

Victoria saw a spike in COVID-19 cases last weekend, following the AFL grand final where banned social gatherings occurred.

The Maitland LGA's current restrictions mean everyone must stay home unless it is for an essential reason, which includes:

Fully vaccinated people are able to attend a gathering of up to 5 people for outdoor recreation, as long as all those attending who are 16 and over are fully vaccinated.

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