The State Government has stepped up measures to protect South Australians during the coronavirus pandemic by introducing heavy on-the-spot fines for individuals and businesses flouting directions from the Police Commissioner under the Emergency Management Act.
Premier Steven Marshall said that from today individuals failing to self-isolate as required they will be hit with a $1 000 fine and businesses flouting laws to control the pandemic will cop a $5 000 fine.
“We understand that some of the restrictions in place are changing the way we live and operate – but they are not optional,” said Premier Steven Marshall.
“To the majority of South Australians doing the right thing. We say thank you, because the failure of even a small minority to follow the rules threatens the health of all South Australians.
“Everyone needs to understand that from today failure to follow the directions to the letter of the law will leave individuals and businesses liable for significant on-the-spot fines.
“The period of education regarding restrictions during this pandemic really has come to end and the period of enforcement has begun.
“SA Police have established a new team dedicated to enforcing quarantine rules, social distancing restrictions and business closure rules, and will be knocking on the doors of individuals and businesses to ensure pandemic restrictions are being adhered to.
“I encourage South Australians who are aware of people blatantly disobeying the restrictions to contact the police.
“We have a genuine responsibility to protect one another, and that requires everyone following the pandemic laws and practicing the highest level of personal responsibility.
“All South Australians have a critical role in continuing to flatten the curve by practicing social distancing, washing their hands regularly and immediately self-isolating if they show any symptoms of the virus.
“Reducing the peak of the virus is essential to ensure our hospitals will be able to cope with the number of patients who will need hospital treatment.
“The health of all South Australians and particularly members of our community who are older or battling other illnesses is literally in everyone’s hands.”
You can call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, where reports can be anonymous, to report breaches of the pandemic control restrictions.
