Councils across the state report 112 instances of people not social distancing correctly
More than 110 instances of people failing to social distance were spotted by SA council inspectors over the past month. But almost all of those caught have escaped without penalty.
Local
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Councils to monitor social distancing amid COVID-19 pandemic
- Get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
Council inspectors have reported more than 110 instances of people failing to maintain a 1.5m social distance across SA in the past month.
But almost all of those have escaped without penalty.
The State Government called on councils to help monitor compliance amid the COVID-19 pandemic from March, reporting transgressions to the SA Local Govenrment Association.
Over the past month, around 600 council staff each week visited 30,000 locations, including beaches, boat ramps and parks, across 51 districts.
Inspectors called the police on four occasions, with 87 per cent of the incidents of non-compliance addressed through an “education approach”.
Eight infringement notices and three verbal formal notices were issued.
LGA chief executive Matt Pinnegar said hundreds of council staff continued to monitor the community for breaches.
“Councils play a key role in protecting public health, and are working closely with the State Government to help keep our communities safe during the coronavirus emergency,” Mr Pinnegar said.
MORE NEWS
Syringe-wielding man guilty of attempted robbery in Christies Beach
Playford Council executive resigns over office romance
Mitcham Council may chip in for $2.1 Kingswood Oval upgrade
“Hundreds of council staff are out and about every day checking on local businesses and public areas.
“Their focus is on working with their communities to educate them on the temporary restrictions that are currently in place.
“It is great to see that the community are by and large doing the right thing and that only a small number of matters have needed to be escalated to SAPOL for enforcement.”
He said council officers had broad powers to direct people and businesses to comply with social distancing rules and guidelines from health authorities.
“This includes the power to direct that facilities or businesses be closed or evacuated,’’ he said.
He expected councils would continue to carry out inspections as long as COVID-19 restrictions were in place.