Easter partygoers warned of steep COVID-19 fines: Territorians warned not to defy social distancing rules
PARTYGOERS caught breaching coronavirus social distancing rules will also be fined from now on, not just those who host the gatherings, NT Police have warned
Northern Territory
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PARTYGOERS caught breaching coronavirus social distancing rules will also be fined from now on, not just those who host the gatherings, NT Police have warned.
Commander Tony Fuller said earlier this week that all Territorians should be aware of the ban on gatherings of 10 or more people by now and police will be strictly enforcing it ahead of the Easter holidays.
The warning comes after a 45-year-old Alawa resident was fined $1,099 for hosting a party with 14 people at her home.
However, in that instance, only the host of the party was fined, and the other 13 was not.
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“We’re trying to educate people but if people are going to continue to going to these parties we’re going to start issuing tickets to everyone who attends,” Cdr Fuller said.
“Everyone knows the rules now. It’s up to you to abide by them.”
“The legislation says 10 or more but we’re still trying to push the message that we prefer it to be less than that and if you’re going to be out there be with family groups only.”
Cdr Fuller said police would be out in force over this Easter weekend conducting compliance checks.
“There will be definitely police out at some of the fishing spots over the weekend to stop congregations and make people abide by the social distancing rules,” he said.
“The option is there to issue infringements, that’s not what we want.
“The Deputy Chief Health Officer has explained that if you’re going to go fishing please minimise it to two people per boat or if just your family group.
“We’re advising people to spend Easter at home.
“We’ve got to stop the spread of this virus and it’s up to people to take some responsibility.”
He said police had conducted over 3000 checks and issued seven infringements as of Wednesday.
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