Police charge three people over breaches of Biosecurity Act and CHO Direction at Doomadgee

Doomadgee police have arrested and charged two men and a woman with breaches of Biosecurity Act (Cwlth) and Chief Health Officer (CHO) Queensland Direction.

On March 26, a determination was made under the Biosecurity Act restricting non-essential travel to designated remote communities, which included the combined area of the Burke and Doomadgee local government areas.

On March 29, the CHO issued a direction regarding home confinement, movement and gatherings. The direction stated that persons were prohibited from leaving their residence, except for permitted purposes.

On April 12, two men and a woman who reside in Townsville entered the ‘restricted Biosecurity area’ and allegedly told a border control officer they had self-isolated in Townsville for 14 days prior to entry as per current policy.

Local police commenced enquires within the community and it was determined that the two men aged 51 and 30 and the woman aged 51, had not self-isolated for 14 days and were arrested.

All three were charged with one count each of failing to comply with an emergency requirement – (Biosecurity Act (Cwth) S 479(3)) and failing to comply with COVID-19 public health direction CHO (Public Health Act, QLD S326D).

Doomadgee Office in Charge, Senior Sergeant Lisa Damman said the Queensland Police Service continues to enforce the directions of the Chief Health Officer as we work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“We urge everyone to follow the public health directions, employ social distancing practices and avoid unnecessary travel so we can limit the spread of Coronavirus.

“Local police will not tolerate this reckless behaviour and have strict measures in place to ensure the Doomadgee community is protected.

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