Mandatory two-week self-isolation period in place ‘to save lives’, says Premier

The 50-year-old has repeatedly refused to abide by isolation requirements, police say.

A MAN arrested for flouting mandatory quarantine rules at a Government-run accommodation in Launceston slipped past security to leave the facility, it has been revealed.

Police said the 50-year-old was arrested on Sunday after reports he was refusing to abide by isolation requirements after returning to Tasmania from Victoria.

MAN CHARGED WITH BREAKING QUARANTINE

Investigations showed the man had committed a number of breaches of the quarantine rules, Inspector Craig Fox said on Sunday.

Premier Peter Gutwein on Monday morning said the man “took an opportunity” to leave the facility.

“He was arrested, he has been charged, and he will face court in terms of a fine of up to $16,800 or six months in jail,’’ he said.

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“I want to make it perfectly clear, we are not doing this for fun. We are doing this to save lives.

“There are a set of rules we expect people to abide by them and, in the main, the vast majority of Tasmanians are doing that, but if you break the rules, we will throw the book at you.”

The man was charged and will appear in Launceston Magistrates’ Court at a later date.

He was returned to the government-run facility to continue his period of isolation.

Police escort passengers arriving at Hobart airport to a nearby hotel for their mandatory two-week quarantine. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Mr Gutwein said so far five people have been charged in connection with measures designed to contain the spread of coronavirus — four of them for not complying with a directive to stay at home unless they had a good reason not to do so.

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HELP IS AT HAND FOR QUARANTINED TRAVELLERS

The State Government is using a number of accommodation facilities around the state to house non-essential travellers coming into the state in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus.

From Monday last week, non-essential travellers have to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine period in one of these facilities when they enter the state.