ACT Policing conducted more than 400 COVID-19 compliance checks last weekend ensuring that people in quarantine and businesses were operating under Stage 2.2 restrictions.
Chief Police Officer (CPO) for the ACT, Neil Gaughan said the police’s Territory Targeting Team had issued no infringement notices or formal warnings to people or business premises, but a number of businesses were required to tighten COVID-19 measures and controls.
“There was 100 per cent compliance of people in quarantine at hotels or at home,” CPO Gaughan said.
“Last week, when I announced police would be taking a zero-tolerance stance to breaches of people in quarantine, I hoped we wouldn’t need to issue any fines,” he said.
“I’m happy to say that so far, Canberrans have done the right thing.”
CPO Gaughan said he was concerned about the small number of businesses that weren’t fully complying with all health directions.
“So let me be clear, any business found intentionally breaching COVID-19 health directions will be issued with an infringement notice,” he said.
“We have all had many weeks to become familiar with, and fully understand, the health advice so any business not following directions can now expect stronger enforcement action.”
CPO Gaughan said police would always have discretion when enforcing laws, but there was no excuse to risk the safety of the Canberra community.
