ACT Policing have been busy fielding 2,238 compliance complaints and conducting tens of thousands of compliance checks in the two months since the ACT lockdown began.
Between 12 August and 12 October, authorities have conducted 46,475 traffic compliance stops and issued 537 directions to leave the ACT, seven people have been arrested for alleged breaches solely of health directions and another 47 for other offences, which included health direction breaches. A further 69 infringements for alleged breaches, 119 cautions and 823 move-on orders were issued.
Authorities were also busy conducting 5,368 personal compliance checks and 1,997 business checks during this time.
The figures were released in a media statement today as ACT Policing advised their efforts will now be focused “towards supporting Canberrans to stay well as health orders change”.
As this Friday, 15 October, brings the official end of lockdown and the first steps in the pathway forward, police are reminding local residents to be aware of the changes by continuing to take precautions when interacting with others. This involves following the gathering restrictions, wearing face masks, and maintaining a 1.5m distance where possible.
ACT Policing’s Officer in Charge of Road Policing, Detective Inspector Donna Hofmeier, said police would continue to conduct compliance operations across Canberra.
“While ACT Road Policing will return to normal duties at the end of lockdown, officers will continue to maintain our anywhere, anytime approach to COVID compliance across Canberra,” Detective Inspector Hofmeier said.
ACT Policing COVID-19 Taskforce Superintendent Naomi Binstead said people wanting to travel interstate, in particular to NSW and other COVID-19 affected areas, are reminded that it still must be for approved reasons only and any returning ACT residents must complete necessary travel exemptions and declarations.
“Our priority is ensuring that people continue to stay healthy and well, and out of hospital if possible,” said Superintendent Binstead.
“The last thing we would want to see is people being too relaxed with the easing of restrictions and becoming unwell, when we have worked so hard to look after each other.
“We want people to enjoy the eased restrictions, but stay aware, get tested if you start to feel unwell, continue to check in and maintain good hygiene.”
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