In the past 24 hours, Tasmania Police have proceeded against a further 17 people for failing to comply with the directions of the Director of Public Health.

Around the state, five people were arrested and charged with fail to comply with a direction of the Director of Public Health after being apprehended for offences including breach of bail, drug offences, assault and burglary.
Twelve others have been summonsed to appear in court for failing to comply with the directions. Seventy nine people have been provided with advice or warned to return to their primary residence.

“It is unacceptable that people are selfish enough to breach these restrictions, knowing the seriousness of this health emergency and the impact of COVID-19,” said Commander Rob Blackwood.

“Unless it is essential, you should not be away from your primary residence and police will be speaking to you,” he said.

Police have undertaken patrols and aerial surveillance of dozens of remote camping areas, coastal towns and cities to ensure people are not breach the COVID-19 restrictions.

At Kettering, police reported that 34 vehicles travelled on the Bruny Island ferry and all occupants were spoken to and found to be compliant. Last Easter more than 600 vehicles travelled to the Island on Easter Saturday.

Patrols were undertaken on the West Coast, including many remote camping sites which are ordinarily heavily populated at Easter. Police report there were no campers in the area.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter yesterday covered a very large area of Tasmania’s coastline, focusing on traditional camping area and shack locations on the east and north east coasts, as well as targeted patrols of the northwest region focusing on Burnie, Devonport, Ulverstone and surrounding suburbs and towns.

“The helicopter crew located several campsites, and where possible, landed and directed the campers to return home. Uniform police on the ground followed up campers where the helicopter could not land,” said Commander Blackwood.

“Overall in these locations it appears most people are getting the message – particularly in the remote locations where we would usually see it full of boats and campers. To see these coastal shack areas and some of the traditionally busy boat ramps completely empty is certainly something never seen during an Easter holiday period,” he said.

“Covert and marked police vehicles, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, will continue to undertake patrols around the state, so if you’re away from your primary residence you can expect police to stop and speak to you about your movements.”

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.