ACT Policing conducted 450 random spot checks on individuals self-isolating over the weekend (11-12 July), reporting a 100% compliance rate – and occasional nudity.
In a statement made to the media today, Wednesday 15 July, Detective Superintendent Jason Kennedy said ACT residents should be kind to those isolating, as they have been found doing the right thing.
“Since Friday, ACT Policing has checked on 450 individuals in self-isolation and we are pleased to report all those people are where they are supposed to be,” he said.
“We urge the Canberra public to be kind to those in self-isolation.”
People returning to the ACT from Victoria from 3 July were required, under a Health Direction from the ACT Government, to quarantine for 14 days.
The Health Direction was announced following recent spikes in COVID-19 cases in Melbourne, after which five cases were reported in the ACT between 8 and 10 July.
Det. Kennedy reminded the public the Territory Targeting Team would be issuing fines for those found non-compliant with mandatory self-isolation.
“Part of the spot checks is to let people know we have a no tolerance approach to those doing the right thing,” he said.
“The people we have checked on have been quite happy for the police to check on them and they have been expecting them to turn up.
“Part of it is checking on their welfare as well and making sure they are doing okay; we work closely with [ACT] Health.”
ACT Policing had previously reported 60 spot checks had been conducted at the end of last week, with only two people having to be “reminded of their responsibilities” while isolating.
Det. Kennedy was pleased to report the team had taken to a new process after a few uncomfortable encounters over the weekend.
“There were a couple of occasions where people had come to the front door missing a few articles of clothing,” he said.
“It’s good to see people are comfortable in their own home but we will now be making contact on the phone to let people know we are at the front door.
“It will give people the opportunity to put some clothes on before they do come to the front door.”
