Police prepared for an Easter like no other
ACT Policing is reminding the community of several important messages for Easter 2020.
Chief Police Officer for the ACT, Assistant Commissioner Ray Johnson offered advice for people considering a trip away for the long weekend.
“I urge people to stay home! This Easter will be unlike any other. The coronavirus won’t be taking a long weekend, and neither will the virus containment strategies,” Chief Police Officer Johnson said.
“Resist the temptation to go away for your usual Easter break, or to a mate’s place for a barbecue. Don’t have the family around for Easter lunch.
“The message doesn’t change just because it’s a long weekend. Stay home. Unless you need to buy essential items from the shops, if you need medical care, if you’re working, or if you’re going outside to get some exercise."
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, police understand that Canberrans will still be driving over the long weekend, albeit in reduced numbers.
Officer in Charge of Traffic Operations for ACT Policing, Detective Station Sergeant Marcus Boorman said some of the road safety messaging for this Easter is different from previous years.
“The usual Easter Double Demerit Points period will apply. From Thursday to Monday inclusive, all speeding, mobile phone and seatbelt offences will attract double the usual demerit point penalty,” Detective Station Sergeant Boorman said.
“Just because there’s less traffic on the road, it’s no excuse to ignore the road rules. Speeding is still dangerous. Disobeying traffic lights is still dangerous. Pay attention and drive to the conditions.
“Take the ‘stay home’ message seriously. Police will be on the road over Easter because we have to. You should only be on the road if you have to. And remember, if you decide to head interstate for non-essential reasons, you might be fined, you might be turned round and sent home, or both.”
Editors please note:
The ACT Government has established a COVID-19 hotline, which is operating between 8am and 8pm daily on 02 6207 7244.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au