Premier Peter Gutwein says reports of people ignoring self-isolation requirements being investigated

Premier Peter Gutwein says he is aware of a “couple of reports” being made of people not complying with self-isolation requirements during the coronavirus crisis, and that they are being followed up.

REPORTS of more people ignoring self-isolation requirements in Tasmania during the coronavirus crisis are being investigated, the State Government says.

Premier Peter Gutwein said he was aware of a “couple of reports” being made of people not complying with the directive, and that they were being followed up.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

Mr Gutwein last week announced new measures in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, including a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all non-essential travellers.

This included those arriving from mainland Australia and added to previous restrictions on international travellers.

Travellers must quarantine whether they have symptoms or not, but the rules do not apply to essential travellers like healthcare and emergency workers. Mr Gutwein has previously expressed disappointment at people ignoring the advice of health authorities earlier in the outbreak. Fines of up to $16,800 and six months in prison can apply for those flouting the rules, and the Premier has urged the community to dob in offenders to the police.

STAY UP TO DATE, GRAB A BARGAIN: ONLY $1 FOR THE FIRST 28 DAYS

And on Sunday Mr Gutwein reiterated the message, saying people needed to appreciate the seriousness of the directive.

“In Tasmania we are doing a good job, but we need to do a better job,’’ he said.

“It is important that people follow the rules. If you’ve been asked to self-isolate, to go into quarantine, you must do that.

“It does not mean you can go to the shops and buy a carton of milk. It does not mean you can go to church.”

Mr Gutwein said it was an offence not to comply, and warned measures would become “tougher” as responses to the pandemic progressed.

“There will absolutely be spot checks,’’ he said.

Opposition Leader Rebecca White said the penalties for people caught dodging self-isolation were appropriate.

“These are serious penalties that serve as a strong message to people that they should self-isolate.”