Police clamp down nets many flouting the laws despite warnings

UPDATED: Tasmania’s chief medical officer has labelled the holidaymakers arrested and turned around by police in the first 24 hours of the Easter long weekend as selfish.

Tasmanian police patrol and check vehicles at the Bruny Island Ferry in Kettering. Picture: Zak Simmonds

TASMANIA’S chief medical officer has labelled the holidaymakers arrested and turned around by police in the first 24 hours of the Easter long weekend as selfish.

Professor Tony Lawler said coronavirus was a disease which was scaring doctors and it was medically and personally frustrating to see Tasmanians not taking it seriously.

“There is an element of ignorance — but I see it as selfish,” Prof Lawler said.

“We have done enormous positive work in Tasmania, but I have spoken to colleagues here and globally, and people are terrified.”

Three people have been arrested already as police patrol holiday hot spots to stop Tasmanians flouting COVID 19 restrictions amid repeated public warnings.

Tasmania Police said 35 motorists – some boldly towing caravans and boats – have been intercepted and questioned as they travelled on the state’s roads in the face of calls to stay home.

Fifteen were turned around and told to return to their primary residence.

“Three people were arrested or summonsed to appear in court in relation to COVID related offences,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Jo Stolp said.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter has carried out a number of low-level patrols over regional communities such as Bicheno, Friendly Beaches, Coles Bay, Dunalley, Primrose Sands and the Tasman Peninsula.

Further patrols in these and other parts of the State will be carried out.

Police vehicle patrols have also been conducted in holiday hot spots like Bridport, St Helens, Longford, Great Lake, Port Sorell, Ulverstone, Somerset, Smithton, Arthur River, Circular Head, Marrawah, Temma, Granville and Trial Harbour.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Stolp said that in the past 24 hours, 15 people were directed to return to their primary residence.

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“Our message to everyone is to please stay home and don’t bring unnecessary risk to those small communities,” she said.

“This Easter, if you are away from your primary residence and try to go to your shack and you don’t have a valid excuse, you will not only be turned around, but you could be charged and face a substantial fine.

“For those of you physically located in those communities, expect to receive an SMS message from police reminding you that you need to be following the rules about leaving your primary home without good reason.

“Do not be complacent about the restrictions. The measures that have been implemented are vital to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and police will be enforcing them.

“By now, everyone knows what they must do. If you have any questions, visit the coronavirus website.”

Penalties for breaking the emergency laws can include a fine of $16,800 or six months in prison.

Braddon MP Gavin Pearce said the situation in Burnie – where more than 20 health workers and patients connected with the North West Regional Hospital have become infected – was very worrying.

“It is critical over the next two weeks to flatten the curve and do the right thing, especially in this region,” Mr Pearce said.

“For the five per cent who disregard the rules I say wake up to yourselves and consider others.”