‘Stay home’: Fed up cops set up RBT-checkpoints to catch lockdown flouters

Frustrated police will set up RBT-style checkpoints to catch people breaking strict ‘stay-at-home’ orders by travelling for non-essential reasons.

Fed-up police will set up RBT-style checkpoints at intersections to catch lockdown flouters following the worst day for breaches since the pandemic began.

Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said police would increase their presence on the roads to stop people from breaking strict ‘stay-at-home’ orders by travelling for non-essential reasons.

As the Delta outbreak exploded to 47 with 16 new cases on Tuesday, he said police would set up RBT-style “anywhere, anytime” road checks at intersections to catch people who were out without a valid reason.

Under the lockdown directives, you can only leave your home for four essential reasons - for medical care or to look after a vulnerable person, groceries, essential work or for exercise within 10km of home.

Police conduct a random test on Lacey road, Carseldine to check if people are obeying lockdown rules. PICTURE: Brad Fleet

The checkpoint move follows the highest level of enforcement yesterday since the pandemic began with 70 penalty infringement notices issued - 34 related to the anti-lockdown protest where 21 people were also arrested.

Masks were also handed out to 168 people.

Mr Gollschewski said most of the infringements related to failing to carry a mask, refusing to comply with health directions and for being out during the lockdown for no valid reason.

“Most Queenslanders are doing the right thing but a portion of the community think they can do what they want,” he said.

“We’ll start RBT-type stops at intersections to check if people are allowed out for a valid reason.

“There is nothing to fear if people are doing the right thing.”

The traffic stops will involve police explaining the Chief Health Officer’s directives to drivers and asking them if they are on the road for an essential reason.

“The community has nothing to worry about if they fit within those exemptions,” Mr Gollschewski said.

“Of course people need to go out and get essential supplies. Of course people need to go out for essential purposes. They have nothing to fear if they are doing the right thing - our police officers will help them.

“But … if you know you are doing the wrong thing and you do not try to change your behaviour, there are serious consequences.”

Deputy commissioner Steve Gollschewski says police will set up RBT-style checkpoints to catch lockdown flouters. Photo: John Gass

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said ‘don’t ask yourself ‘can I go out?’, ask ‘should I go out?’.

“Is it so important that it’s worth risking extending the lockdown?,” she asked

“If you don’t have to go out, stay home, because if you are out moving around, the virus is potentially moving around.”

She also urged people to avoid visiting neighbours after one of today’s new cases was a neighbour of those at the centre of the cluster.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young also responded to people claiming they don’t have to wear a mask in public because they have a medical condition.

Police conduct a random test on Lacey road, Carseldine to check if people are obeying lockdown rules. PICTURE: Brad Fleet

“If someone cannot wear a mask for a medical reason and they have not had two doses of vaccine, then they need to stay at home,” she said.

“You are at really high risk, so stay home.”

Dr Young also doubled down on people going into offices: “If you have to question whether you’re an essential worker then you’re probably not,” she said.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young has urged Queenslanders to stay at home. Photo: Brad Fleet