"Stop looking for the loopholes. If you don't need to go out, stay at home."
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This is the message from Senior Sergeant Michael Kearnes, who is one of the police officers overseeing Victoria Police's Operation Sentinel across the division (which encompasses Ballarat, Moorabool, Golden Plains, Pyrenees and Hepburn).
This Easter, police are continuing to conduct the statewide operation, which is focused on enforcing the directions of the Chief Health Officer.
Senior Sergeant Kearnes said the majority of community members living across the division were adhering to social distancing requirements in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus, but police were coming into contact with a lot of people confused about what is and isn't allowed.
Police stations across the division have been inundated with calls from the public with questions about what they legally can and can't do, as has the Police Assistance Line.
Local police have also received "a regular stream of information" from the public tipping them off about other community members not following the social distancing rules.
In order to flatten the curve, the isolation rules put in place by the government stipulate that there are only four reasons for Victorians to leave their homes: for food or supplies, for medical care or care giving, exercise and work or education.
Victoria Police have strong powers to enforce these directions, and are able to issue on the spot fines of up to $1652 for individuals and up to $9913 for businesses.
Senior Sergeant Kearnes said the police approach across the division had not been punitive, rather, was one focusing on prevention and education to help community members to understand the limitations.
But in instances where people have refused to comply with the directions, infringements have been issued.
Related coverage: Police adapting response in the face of coronavirus pandemic
In such a fluid situation, Senior Sergeant Kearnes said the police focus was continuing to evolve and involved both a proactive and reactive approach.
While the police response began as ensuring residents who had returned from overseas were compliant with self-isolation guidelines, it is now mostly focused on continued patrols at shopping centres, popular camping grounds and other outdoor areas people have historically been known to congregate at during the Easter period.
With dedicated police tasked to Operation Sentinel patrols each shift and every other unit also placed to respond, police are also increasingly spending their time responding to tip-offs from the public.
"Our operation response is potentially every car, every shift, every member," Senior Sergeant Kearnes said.
Our operation response is potentially every car, every shift, every member,
- Senior Sergeant Michael Kearnes
While police had some concerns in the lead up to Easter with reports from tourism operators that people were trying to make bookings for the long weekend, so far it has been relatively quiet - though this is a term police prefer not to use.
Related coverage: How many confirmed COVID-19 cases are there in Ballarat?
Police have noted less people on the roads, with simultaneously run road safety-focused Operation Nexus also being conducted.
However, there has been a marked increase in foot traffic, with more residents pounding the pavement and riding bikes across the division as is allowed.
Senior Sergeant Kearnes said in these "unusual times", police asked the community to be patient.
"We encourage everyone to please stay at home. If you don't need to go out, please don't.
"And if you are going to go out please consider the directives and advice given by the Chief Health Officer in relation to social distancing as well as any provisions you might need to make. And we'll all get through this."
If confused, he said police would be able to assist as best they can.
While many police stations are closed to the public for the time being, the phones are still open as is the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
For more information on COVID-19, visit dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus or phone the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 for advice if you are displaying symptoms.
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