Police working to keep Canberrans COVID-safe
ACT Policing continues to provide assistance and respond to the Canberra community’s concerns during the ACT COVID-19 lockdown.
Since the lockdown commenced, police have responded to more than 700 compliance complaints.
Police have assessed all complaints while continuing checks at residences and businesses in Canberra, which have passed 3000 since 12 August 2021.
Compliance activity remains strong on the roads, with an average of more than 500 traffic stops checks conducted every day by police at border checkpoints and random locations across the ACT.
The number of traffic compliance stops made will pass 10,000 today (Tuesday 3-1 August).
Police have now issued directions to 161 people to leave the ACT, and another 200 people have been issued exclusion or return home directions within the ACT.
Even though the overall rate of compliance with the public health directions remains high, there have been occasions where stronger enforcement has been required. By 8am today (31 August 2021) a total of 24 infringement notices and 46 cautions had been issued during the lockdown.
When police attendance has been required in response to COVID-19 compliance reports, these incidents have largely been resolved quickly and amicably.
In response to two protests at Parliament House and Government House this morning, ACT Policing officers arrested three people for breaching health directions. Two vehicles were directed to leave the ACT and police expect to issue further infringements to individuals who participated today.
Chief Police Officer for the ACT, Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan reminded the community that COVID-19 public health directions can change and it is important to keep up to date of what you will be allowed to do from 5pm on Thursday.
“I know people are still digesting today’s announcement but we ask the people use common sense when looking at the changes,” Chief Police Officer Gaughan said.
“We have to again thank the people who have been in quarantine, largely in good spirits, because it’s keeping us safe. We will maintain our focus on compliance activities, including mask wearing, and our activities at border crossings as lockdown continues.
“The ACT is still in lockdown, and it is important that people are sensible and continue to do the right thing by staying home and staying within their local areas.
“Please check the ACT Government website for the latest information. If what you need isn’t there, then call the COVID-19 helpline. If it’s something that needs immediate police attention, then call us.”
The most up-to-date COVID-19 information for the ACT can be found at the ACT COVID-19 website.
To make reports of non-compliance, you can complete a form via Access Canberra or contact the COVID-19 Helpline on 6207 7244 (8am-8pm, 7 days a week).
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
For journalists: Chief Police Officer for the ACT, Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan will be available for questions at the ACT Government media conference on Wednesday 1 September 2021.