More than 100 face charges for breaching coronavirus restrictions

Commander Rob Blackwood says it is unacceptable for people to breach coronavirus restrictions given the seriousness of this health emergency.

MORE than 100 people have been charged or ordered to return home for breaching coronavirus restrictions around the state in the last 24 hours.

Tasmania Police said 17 people have been charged with failing to comply with a direction of the Director of Public Health after being apprehended for offences including breach of bail, drug offences, assault and burglary.

Another 12 have been summonsed to appear in court for failing to comply with the directions and 79 have been “provided with advice” or warned to return to their primary residence.

Commander Rob Blackwood said it was unacceptable for people to breach the restrictions given the seriousness of this health emergency.

“Unless it is essential, you should not be away from your primary residence and police will be speaking to you,” he said.

Police have conducted patrols and helicopter surveillance of dozens of popular Easter destinations to make sure people were complying with the restrictions.

A sweep of the state by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter on Saturday of popular camping and shack locations revealed only a handful of people disobeying orders to stay home.

“The helicopter crew located several campsites, and where possible, landed and directed the campers to return home,” Commander Blackwood said.

“Overall in these locations it appears most people are getting the message — particularly in the remote locations where we would usually see it full of boats and campers.”