Easter crackdown: All the activities that could get you fined thousands of dollars this weekend - and it's bad if you want to drive your car
- Police officers will be patrolling popular holiday hotspots over the long weekend
- Australians found defying COVID-19 restrictions will be subjected to hefty fines
- Scott Morrison on Tuesday repeated calls for holidaymakers to stay home
Australians planning to travel over the Easter long weekend should expect a prominent police presence at popular holiday destinations across the country.
Officers will be out in force this weekend targeting holidaymakers who travel against the government's advice to stay home and comply with social distancing rules.
Despite repeated calls for Australians to avoid all non-essential travel, there are still concerns city residents may use the Easter break to travel to rural communities.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller on Tuesday also advised against going out for a drive, even if motorists don't intend to get out of the car.
Police will be out in force over the Easter long weekend targeting holidaymakers who ignored the government's advice to not travel and stay home
Queensland police confirmed they will be patrolling popular areas such as beaches and parks to ensure the community is following COVID-19 guidelines. Pictured: Queensland police conducting a checkpoint last week
The fines for each state for people who breach public health orders or ministerial directions
'It's not a reasonable excuse,' he told ABC Radio. 'If you don't really need to do it, then stay home and stay safe.'
He said carve-outs existed for things such as travelling to work, getting food or medical assistance, or to exercise.
'But if we carve out every activity then there's no point having the isolation,' Mr Fuller said.
States and territories now have the power to hand out on-the-spot fines to anyone caught violating public health orders.
Under COVID-19 measures in NSW, individuals will be subject to a $1,000 fine, and businesses, $5,000.
The fines vary from state to state, with $1,334.50 in Queensland, $1,652 in Victoria, $1,000 in WA, 1,000 in SA, $1,099 in Northern Territory,
In a stark warning to the nation on Tuesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said defying restrictions will 'completely undo everything we've achieved so far.'
On Monday, sunbathers booted off multiple beaches on the Gold Coast after crowds gathered on the sand and ignored social distancing measures. Pictured: Queensland beachgoers being told to go home on April 2
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller on Tuesday advised residents against going out for a drive, even if they didn't intend to get out of the car. Pictured: A police checkpoint on the NSW/QLD border on April 3
Australians are urged to avoid all non-essential travel, which includes holiday travel to remote areas
'This Easter weekend will be incredibly important,' he told reporters in Canberra. 'Stay at home.'
In Queensland, police confirmed they will patrolling popular areas across the state such as beaches and parks to ensure the community is complying with COVID-19 restrictions.
Multiple Gold Coast beaches on Monday were closed after a large number of Brisbane residents ignored restrictions and flocked to the sand over the weekend.
Similar measures have been taken in NSW, particularly in Sydney, where the iconic Bondi Beach, among others, have also closed.
Police have been seen cracking down at parks, beaches and other popular outdoor areas across Sydney since tough new rules came into effect.
A NSW police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia Easter weekend will be 'business as usual for police' who will be out patrolling as they do any other day.
Police last week warned current coronavirus public health orders are expected to remain in place for 90 days and 'there will be no exemptions for Easter'.
South Australia's police force will be following suit, patrolling holiday hotspots across the state and issuing fines accordingly.
'Some of these holiday destinations have communities in an older age brackets and those older people are concerned about this,' Commissioner Grant Stevens said.
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'We shouldn't be doing anything that raises concern or fear in our community.'
He said police will investigate reports of breaches, with those who flout the rules being handed a $1,000 fine on the spot.
So far, nine people have been fined and 13 were given written warnings.
Commissioner Stevens said police assessed a person's effort to comply and judged if there was a misunderstanding or minor breach of obligations.
'When we find someone is blatantly disregarding those requirements or there are repeated instances, that's when someone should expect the $1,000 fine.'
From hiring an Airbnb to hiking in the bush? Everything you need to know about what you can and can't do over the Easter long weekend
BY KAREN RUIZ FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA
For most Australians the Easter long weekend is typically a time to travel, with many families opting for a mini getaway at popular holiday destinations.
But this year, measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 through the community mean the holiday will have to be celebrated differently.
Public gatherings of more than two people have been banned under coronavirus restrictions, meaning Easter traditions such as egg hunts, Easter mass and family parties cannot go ahead.
Holidaymakers have also been urged to cancel their travel plans and spend the weekend at home.
So what can you do this Easter? Daily Mail Australia's guide shows you what you can do to celebrate safely.
Families can no longer take part in large Easter egg hunts, but are safe to have them within their home or backyards
CAN I RENT A PROPERTY OR AIRBNB AND ISOLATE THERE?
No. While most Australians are already hunkered down at home with their families, travelling to isolate at a rental property, such as an Airbnb, is still forbidden.
Non-essential travel has been banned under the government's tight new measures, meaning you should only leave your home if it's absolutely necessary.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson on Monday said there was no reason for people to be staying at property other than their own residence during this time.
'It isn't illegal for them to advertise the [rental] property but guests couldn't get there without breaking the law,' he said.
'It just goes back to whether or not the travel is essential. If it doesn't fit under any of those [essential] categories, then it's not essential travel,' a NSW Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.
On Monday afternoon, Mr Anderson repeated that any suggestions staying in short-term rentals was 'illegal' were incorrect.
'The NSW Government advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has been very clear. As per the public health orders, people must stay home with the exception of a number of circumstances including work and to provide care,' he said.
'The NSW Government acknowledges that in these circumstances the provision of short-term accommodation is often critical, particularly for our frontline health workers.'
WHAT ABOUT GOING TO THE PARK OR THE BUSH?
You can go to the park if you're going for your daily dose of fresh air or exercise and remember to practice social distancing.
Outdoor Easter celebrations such as egg hunts and picnics however, will not be allowed, no matter how small.
Most parks will remain open, but all campgrounds visitor centres, high-visitation areas and historic sites in NSW have been closed as of March 26.
CAN I HAVE AN EASTER EGG HUNT AT THE PARK?
No. Outdoor gatherings, no matter how small, are not allowed under COVID-19 restrictions.
Families are safe to have an Easter egg hunt at their own homes or backyards.
A spokesperson for NSW Premier's office told Daily Mail Australia you must have a reasonable excuse to leave your home.
WHAT ABOUT CHURCH?
For many people who are not particularly religious, Easter may be the only time they physically attend a church during the year.
Those people will not able to attend Easter mass this year due to new social distancing rules, but churches and are encouraged to hold services online if possible.
In states, including NSW, live-streaming and broadcasting of religious services in places of worship that are closed to the public can still go ahead.
Catholic and Anglican congregations have been using technology to overcome not being able to physically gather in churches and will do so over Easter. The Munday family of Sydney are pictured watching a live-stream service from St Paul of the Cross in Dulwich Hill
