COVID-19 task-force in crackdown on backpackers, licensed venues and quarantine orders

Queensland police will launch a major crackdown on people under quarantine orders, backpackers and licensed venues in a bid to prevent a second wave of the virus in the state. FIND OUT WHAT AREAS WILL BE TARGETED

QUEENSLAND authorities have announced a crackdown on people ignoring quarantine orders in an attempt to prevent a second wave of coronavirus.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the Queensland Police task force would from Monday next week ramp up compliance checks across the state, with a focus on backpackers and farm workers in the Wide Bay and Burnett regions.

“There’ll also be some additional compliance activities in regional areas around licenced premises to ensure that everyone is complying with the Chief Health Officer’s directives and the COVID-safe plans which are in place.”

Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski says people not following COVID-19 health guidelines and quarantine orders will continue to be fined. Picture: Darren England

Mr Ryan said there had been some examples in recent times of people not complying with the quarantine orders.

He said those people not only risked a fine, but also the healthcare of their fellow Queenslanders.

“Don’t think we’re not watching you,” Mr Ryan said.

“Police are doing checks. The compliance team is making phone calls. We will ensure that random checks are conducted on a risk basis.

“Please don’t be complacent.”

He said from next Monday, police will be increasing its compliance checks to make sure people are following the rules.

Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said there were about 880 people quarantining in hotels, but there were also over 2,000 in quarantine in their homes.

“It is absolutely critical that those people remain at home for the 14 days they’re quarantining, that they are not allowing people into their homes and they are not leaving their homes for any reason other than to be tested for COVID,” she said.

“And the reason why this is critical is these people are in regions right across Queensland and this can be the difference between whether we can contain COVID going forward or not.

So far, 2111 fines have been issued for people not abiding health and quarantine orders.

It comes as Queensland recorded its first new case of coronavirus in nine days, with still only two active cases across the state.

The latest case, which is the first since June 17, relates to a person who has returned from overseas.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak started, Queensland has recorded 1067 total cases with one person remaining in hospital.

There have been six deaths and 347,601 tests conducted.