Townsville Acting District Officer, Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip told the MCN "Firstly, I’d like to thank the people of Townsville for their support in helping to keep the community safe during what can only be described as challenging times as we continue to combat Covid-19.
Social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands, using the check-in app and vaccinations are keys to protecting our families, friends, neighbours and the community during this global pandemic.
Christmas is a time for people to celebrate, for connecting, for families, individuals and groups to gather and socialise.
And as we all know, Covid-19 is carried by people and spread by people. Social gatherings, crowds, parties can be ideal opportunities for the virus to spread.
With Covid-19 and the highly contagious Omicron variant spreading throughout Queensland now is the time to remain vigilant and adherence to the safety precautions, and not the time to wind back.
Townsville police will be out in the community, conducting compliance checks on businesses, ensuring adherence to the Chief Health Officer’s (CHO) directions. We will not hesitate to take enforcement action when necessary.
We’ll also be ensuring mask compliance and while we take an educational and common-sense approach, we will issue fines for blatant disregarding of the CHO directions.
Directions that are in place for your safety, the safety of your loved ones and for our community.
You can expect Townsville police to enforce the CHO directions and take appropriate action in our endeavours to keep you and our community safe.
Business compliance checks
From December 17, pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants and cinemas have only be permitted to allow fully vaccinated people into their premises in Queensland. This means customers entering these businesses need to check-in to the venue and show evidence that they are fully vaccinated. Throughout the pandemic, the Queensland Police Service has maintained a communication and compassion approach to achieve compliance. Police will work closely with local businesses and the community to ensure patrons at these venues are following the new public health direction. Businesses should clearly display the new rules to help inform their customers and take reasonable steps to ensure patrons are abiding by the direction. Throughout the pandemic, the high levels of compliance from business operators and residents across Queensland has been exceptional – including mask wearing, adhering to venue capacity limits, social distancing and the wide use of the check-in app. We urge members of the community to be respectful to staff at businesses who will be following their obligations as part of this direction. If business operators experience difficult customers who refuse to comply with the rules or leave the premises, they can contact police and we can assist. Local police will conduct patrols of popular entertainment and dining precincts, particularly over the first weekend of the new direction. There are fines of $1,378 for individuals and $6,892 for business which fail to comply with the public health directions. Further action can also be taken, depending on the circumstances of the matter. QPS officers will continue to work closely with partner agencies including the Office of Liquor and Gaming to undertake compliance operations." More information about the public health and social measures can be found here: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers
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