Be COVID smart over summer

ACT Policing is reminding Canberrans to stay COVID smart over summer.

With more people heading out to enjoy the summer weather, it is important to remember gathering restrictions are still in place at ACT venues as the priority remains to keep everyone safe.

ACT Policing Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan congratulated Canberrans for their conduct throughout 2020 and encouraged residents to continue being COVID-safe when heading out over the festive season.

“It’s been a really tough year, we’ve had the bushfires and obviously now we are in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic,” Chief Police Officer Gaughan said.

“If you’re heading out to a restaurant or licensed premises please check in accordingly. Use your real name so that if something does happen, authorities can rapidly contact trace and help Canberrans stay safe.

“We don't want to be the fun police but we will be certainly patrolling the nightlife precincts around Canberra making sure people do the right thing and are compliant with the COVID-safe requirements.”

Chief Police Officer Gaughan also called on Canberrans to be patient with restaurant and bar owners as they comply with COVID restrictions throughout the busy summer period.

“Proprietors really are doing their best under trying circumstances,” Chief Police Officer Gaughan said.

“They have to balance gathering restrictions, holiday staffing as well as providing their usual service so please do your part by checking in and booking ahead.”

ACT Policing has conducted more than 20,500 quarantine checks during Canberra’s COVID-19 response.

ACT Policing also continues to work with the ACT Government and Australian Defence Force managing compliance for Australian residents recently returned from overseas on a government facilitated flight.

“People in hotel quarantine are continuing to comply with all directions set by the Chief Health Officer and I know many are looking forward to the end of their quarantine this week,” Chief Police Officer Gaughan said.

For the most recent information on the ACT’s COVID-19 restrictions, visit the COVID-19 website changes to restrictions page.

For general enquiries – including to make reports of non-compliance, contact the COVID-19 Helpline on 6207 7244 (8am-8pm, 7 days a week) or online available here. For police assistance call 131 444 and only contact Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au