Police are continuing to enforce Southern Tasmanian lockdown restrictions to help keep our community safe.
Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Higgins said that a total of 1135 vehicles had been checked at road check points on main arterial roads since 6pm on Friday, with a total of 90 vehicles turned around.
“Police remain out on patrol to ensure people are doing the right thing to keep Tasmanians safe,” he said.
“We are checking motorists to ensure they are only travelling for permitted reasons. If they don’t have a valid reason – they are turned around.
From 6pm Friday night to 9pm last night:
• A total of 376 compliance checks were conducted in southern Tasmania.
• Three infringement notices were issued for failing to comply with mask requirement.
• Two infringement notices issued for failing to comply with a direction of the Director of Public Health.
• A 56 year old Kingston man was arrested and charged yesterday with failing to comply with a direction of the Director of Public Health and abusive language to a police officer.
• A 46 year old Hobart man was charged with failing to comply with a direction of the Director of Public Health after investigations into an unrelated matter determined he had hosted a gathering at his residence on Friday night.
• Overnight there were 25 COVID related reports to police.
“We know the vast majority of people will do the right thing, because they understand how important these measures are for protecting our community.
“To those people who are considering flouting the rules – we will be using significant police resources to patrol southern Tasmania to make sure people are adhering to the restrictions.
“Police will be taking a strong approach in dealing with those in the minority who continue to flout the rules and put other Tasmanians at risk.
“Our message to everyone is to please stay home unless it is absolutely essential that you leave.”
Assistant Commissioner Higgins said that people who did not have a permitted reason to be away from their primary residence faced a substantial fine and could be charged.
“If you need to do essential shopping – remember to use the Check In Tas App and keep a physical distance from others.
“Do not be complacent about the restrictions. The measures have been implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19 and police are enforcing them.”
If you have any questions, visit the coronavirus website www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au