POLICE will be out and about ensuring people are being safe and abiding by restrictions as more people are expected to flock to the region during the school holidays.
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In order to ensure that people are abiding by the restrictions and social distancing requirements set out by the chief health officer, police will continue with their patrols as part of Operation Sentinel.
Ensuring that people abide by restrictions will be a key focus for police across the region during the holiday period, with concerns about the rate of COVID-19 transmission in Melbourne and fears of it being brought into the region.
Moorabool Acting Inspector Alistair Nisbet said police would be focusing on travel destinations, such as Daylesford, and other places that attract crowds where breaches could potentially occur.
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"We'll be focusing on places where there is the potential for people to be coming into large groups - whether it is parks, people who are bushwalking or if they're going out for lunch," Acting Inspector Nisbet said.
Police will also be monitoring businesses, to ensure they are adhering to the guidelines.
Meanwhile, both Moorabool and Ballarat Highway Patrol will also be out to ensure people are being safe on the roads.
Sergeant Ross Humphrey said that police were expecting an increase in traffic as people travelled to holiday locations across the western region.
"We are asking people to be considerate because the roads might be a little busier than normal as people are heading off for a break so we ask that they are patient and watch their speed," he said.
Sergeant Humphrey also urged people to make sure they are well rested if travelling a long distance and that all occupants of the vehicle are wearing their seatbelt.
For people towing boats, trailers and caravans, Sergeant Humphrey said people should ensure their brake lights and other connections are working before they hit the road.
Community members are encouraged to call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or to make a report online if they see a blatant breach of the restrictions, so police can respond.