People directed to leave holiday hot spots across Tasmania

Tasmania Police has charged about 20 people with breaching directions to stay at home since the start of the Easter break. Find out which holiday hot spots are being targeted in the crackdown.

PREPARE to be stopped and spoken to about why you are away from home as police continue to target shack hot spots across the state with eyes in the sky and on the ground.

Since the start of the Easter break, about 20 people have been charged with failing to comply with a direction of the Director of Public Health.

In the 24 hours to midday Saturday, police pulled over 89 vehicles and spoke with the occupants to ensure they were complying with COVID-19 restrictions.

Commander Robert Blackwood said 20 people were warned to return to their primary residences.

A remote campsite detected by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter at Low Head over the Easter long weekend. Picture: TASMANIA POLICE

Officers in covert and marked police cars have been conducting checks at holiday hot spots including Richmond, Dodges Ferry, Boomer Bay, Pirates Bay, Port Arthur, White Beach, Bicheno, St Helens, Swansea, Triabunna, Orford, Buckland, Kettering, Woodbridge, Cygnet, Bridport and the Highland lakes.

WHAT’S OPEN OVER THE EASTER LONG WEEKEND

WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T DO OVER EASTER

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter has also undertaken surveillance flights over communities and camping grounds.

“It is clear that the majority of people are doing the right thing and staying home to keep the community safe,” Commander Blackwood said.

“This is very serious — if you don’t have valid reason to be away from home you will be directed to return home and you could be charged and summonsed to face court.

“By now, everyone knows the rules and you are required to abide by them.”

Police have followed up more than 300 reports of noncompliance made by telephone or online to the Tasmanian Health Hotline.

Those who fail to comply could face fines of up to $16,800 or six months in jail.

Premier Peter Gutwein providing a coronavirus update. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Premier Peter Gutwein said the hefty penalties were in place to protect Tasmanians.

“We want to protect you. We want to protect your family. We want to protect your parents, your children and the communities in which you live,” he said.

“We would ask that you abide by the rules and do what’s necessary to ensure that we don’t take this disease into parts of the state where it would have a devastating effect.”