RBT, drug tests resume ahead of Queen’s birthday long weekend
Police from the Illawarra and south coast will be out in force as RBT and drug tests resume ahead of the Queen’s birthday long weekend.
Illawarra Star
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Double demerits will kick in tonight across NSW and the ACT, ahead of the first long weekend since COVID-19 restrictions eased.
The double demerit period will start at 12.01am on Friday and will run until 11.59pm on Monday.
While Random Breath Tests (RBT) had been significantly reduced in recent months due to COVID-19 concerns, they have recommenced, with police warning drivers they will be out in force this weekend.
“There will be extra police out on the roads and we will be out there conducting RBT and targeted mobile testing in high risk areas,” Acting Southern Region Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Greg Moore said.
Police will also be cracking down on speeding, seatbelt offences and mobile phone use over the weekend, particularly on highways and arterial roads as people finally head off for holidays and mini-breaks.
“We welcome the visitors, we’ve already seen a big increase in people moving into the region for holidays or short breaks,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Moore said.
“That’s a good thing but there’s increased volumes of traffic on the highways and arterial roads and we know the risks that come with that.”
Police will also be patrolling licensed venues throughout the month of June, to ensure people are heeding the COVID-Safe warnings, and drinking responsibly.
With the virus still a very real threat, the The Illawarra Shoalhaven Health District (ISLHD) is also urging visitors to the region to be vigilant in practising physical distancing, good hand hygiene and cough etiquette to protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19.
“While you are at your destination, if you or anyone travelling with you experiences any COVID-19 symptoms – fever, cough, sore or scratchy throat and shortness of breath, no matter how mild, please seek a test locally,” the District’s Public Health Director Curtis Gregory said.
“Ensure you practise the good hygiene necessary to stop the prevention of the spread of many illnesses including COVID-19, wash your hands with soap and water or use sanitiser, sneeze or cough into your elbow, don’t share food and clean shared surfaces,’’ he said.
This week’s eased restrictions have seen some camping grounds and caravan parks reopen as well as museums, galleries and libraries and they also allow for pubs, clubs cafes and restaurants to have up to 50 customers dining in.
Gatherings at home remain at five visitors inside and outside at 10. The current rule which ensures businesses maintain four square metres of space for each person continues.