The Queensland Police Service has announced it will step up enforcement measures for people disregarding directions and flouting isolation laws as communities work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
QPS said residents could expect to see an increase in police ensuring compliance of public health directions with officers given the power to issue on the spot fines for anyone who did not comply with the directions.
Police said they had previously been taking a considered and educational approach to compliance checks but officers would now be stepping up enforcement action for those blatantly disregarding directions.
The move was in response to people deliberately flouting self-isolation directions, holding unlawful mass gatherings or conducting non-essential business not in compliance with directions.
"We are urging everyone to follow the public health directions, employ social distancing practices and avoid unnecessary travel so we can limit the spread of Coronavirus," a police spokesman said.
"Since Monday, police have conducted more than 2,023 non-essential business compliance checks across Queensland.
"If a person does not comply with the quarantine directions, penalties of up to $13,345 for individuals and $66,672.50 for corporations may apply."
If a member of the public has concerns for their health or the health of another, they should contact their doctor or 13HEALTH.
Police have asked for anyone aware of a potential breach of self-isolation, or business not complying with the new directions to report through the Policelink App or by contacting Policelink 131 444 for more important matters.
