This Easter Monday, there will be frequent and highly visible patrols on Tasmanian roads and in the air, as the Easter long weekend comes to a close.
Police report that in the past 24 hours there were fewer summons and arrests (6) for breach of the directions of the Director of Public Health, and fewer advice and warnings issued (20).
“It seems that most of the community is acting responsibility, and we thank them for their compliance. It is pleasing to note that the number of people doing the wrong thing has decreased in the past 24 hours,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Jonathan Higgins.
“However, there are still examples of people taking risks and selfishly ignoring the restrictions.”
In one instance, police intercepted two men who had undertaken a nearly 500km return trip from Railton to Strahan, via Rosebery, to purchase a car for sale on the side of the road. The pair stopped twice for fuel and coffee. This was an unnecessary trip which potentially put other communities at risk. The men are being proceeded against for several offences.
“With the additional stronger restrictions on retail activity now in place in the North West – there are fewer reasons to leave your home,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Higgins.
Tasmania Police will continue to assist the residents of the North West in their efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“This is a very serious situation for the north west community and this is a significant opportunity, over the next two weeks, to stop the spread of the virus by simply staying home,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Higgins.
“If you are not impacted by the new quarantine requirements, and you need to leave your home for essential purposes, then expect to be stopped and questioned by police about your movements,” he said.
Police will continue to use significant resources to ensure compliance of the restrictions. We are undertaking numerous patrols, with covert and marked vehicles and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in the north west.
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.
