About 10,000 checks have carried out so far on individuals required to quarantine and businesses during the past four weeks.
“The collaboration and support from our colleagues has been invaluable, and SES, TFS and ADF personnel are continuing to assist with teams undertaking welfare and compliance checks,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Jonathan Higgins said.
“So far, there have been 3270 compliance checks carried out in the south, 2330 in the north and 4640 in the north-west.
“Over the past four weeks, a total of 144 people have been charged or summonsed to appear in court for failing to comply with the direction of the Director of Public Health.
“In the North-West, a further 364 vehicle checks have been conducted.
“While the vast majority of Tasmanians continue to do the right thing by staying home, there are still some people who aren’t abiding by restrictions and we will continue to follow these reports up.
“Police are continuing to use significant resources to ensure compliance of the restrictions, including numerous patrols, with covert and marked vehicles and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter when required, particularly in the North West.
“For those of you who are required to isolate, expect a phone call and a visit by police, TFS, SES or ADF personnel to check your identification.
“If you’re not impacted by the new quarantine requirements, with the additional stronger restrictions on retail activity now in place in the North West – there are fewer reasons to leave your home.
“If you do need to leave your home, then expect to be stopped and questioned by police about your movements.
“Police are also following up reports of business non-compliance and ensuring major retailers are open to trade customers only.”
Acting Deputy Commissioner Higgins said it was a difficult time for the North West community and police were doing all they can to support people through this period.
“More than ever, we are asking Tasmanians to stay home to save lives,” he said.
“This is a very serious situation for the North West community and this is a significant opportunity to stop the spread of the virus by simply staying home.”
Under the Public Health and Emergency Management Acts, there are penalties of up to 100 penalty units ($16,800) or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months for failing to comply with a lawful requirement or direction of an authorised officer.
