ACT Policing has called on Canberrans to stay home and follow COVID-19 directions over this weekend’s Easter Holiday break.
Chief Police Officer for the ACT, Ray Johnson said the police were one part of Canberra’s whole-of-Government response to address the COVID-19 crisis.
“The situation has changed rapidly in the past few weeks, and ACT Policing has been progressively acting and responding to the new health measures,” Chief Officer Johnson said.
“Our message is clear –if you have no reason to go out, don’t go out.”
Chief Officer Johnson said ACT Policing was partnering with several Agencies to educate the community about their responsibilities during the pandemic.
“If you’re asking the question ‘is what I’m doing compliant?’, then you’re asking the wrong question,” Chief Officer Johnson said.
“We should all be doing the right thing by each other and staying home where possible,” he said.
“ACT’s response to compliance measures with the COVID-19 directions remains a staged one – we want to educate first before we move to warnings and fines.”
He said Canberrans should only be leaving their homes to buy food, exercise, travel to work or for medical or caring purposes.
“If you are outside and police suspect you may not be complying with the directions, our officers may have a conversation with you to find out the reasons why you are not at home,” Chief Officer Johnson said.
“We do not want to see large groups of people together around the lake or in Canberra’s parks,” he said.
He said the police had so far not identified any gathering issues in Canberra and thanked the public for doing the right thing.
“If you don’t follow the directions, you not only risk enforcement you are risking someone’s life,” Chief Officer Johnson said.
