When will they learn? More than EIGHT HUNDRED Melburnians feared to have coronavirus and were supposed to be self-isolating weren't home when authorities came knocking
- Compliance checks uncovered 800 people ignoring self isolation directives
- Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews described the behaviour as 'appalling'
- He has announced a new $5,000 fines for individuals in breach of the directive
- The premier also threatened legal action and potential $20,000 fines
An alarming number of people supposed to be self-isolating in Melbourne were not at home when authorities knocked on their doors.
Australian Defence Force Personnel conducted 3,000 compliance checks in 24 hours across the city and found 800 people had breached health orders.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews lashed Melburnians for their 'unacceptable' and 'selfish' behaviour.
'Stay at home means stay at home for all of us, but it certainly it means stay at home for those who have the virus or those who have been directed to isolate,' he said on Tuesday.
Mr Andrews announced the introduction of the harshest penalties across the country for individuals breaking laws around COVID-19.
'If you are supposed to be at home and you are not, then you face the prospect of a fine of up to $5000,' Mr Andrews said.
'We don't want it to come to that. We want people to be where they are supposed to be. Because that is how we will all get past this.'
When Australian Defence Force Personnel conducted 3000 compliance checks across Melbourne they found 800 people people had breached health orders
He also indicated authorities would take legal action against those putting lives at risk.
'If there were particularly selfish behaviour, like for instance going to work when you have the virus, then there is the alternative pathway and that is of course taking you to the Magistrates' Court where the maximum penalty that can be applied to you is $20,000,' he said.
'Every single positive case will be door-knocked multiple times, random and repeat door knocks.
Daniel Andrews also announced the introduction of the harshest penalties across the country for individuals breaking laws around COVID-19
'You are expected to be found at home.'
Stage four restrictions came into place at 6pm on Sunday after the declaration of a State of Disaster. This included a curfew from 8pm to 5pm every night.
Residents are only allowed to leave the home for one of four reasons: to shop for essential goods, to exercise, for medical care, to work in an essential industry or visiting a partner or child.
Anyone directed to self isolate is not allowed to leave their home to exercise.
Police can now hand out $5,000 fines for anyone breaching self isolation directives
Victoria recorded 439 new infections on Tuesday out of a total 12,335 active cases of COVID-19.
There were 11 deaths, bringing the state's death toll to 147.
Of the new cases, 63 are linked to outbreaks or complex cases and 376 are under investigation.
What will still be open in Melbourne Stage 4
Supermarkets, bottle shops, petrol stations, pharmacies, post offices, banks
Retailers working onsite to fulfill online orders
Hardware, building an garden supplies for trade
Specialist stationery for business use
Motor vehicle parts for emergency repairs, mechanics
Locksmiths, laundry and dry cleaners, maternity supplies
Disability and health services and equipment, mobility devices
Farms and commercial fishing
Vets, pounds and animal shelters
Construction of critical infrastructure and services to support those projects
Supermarkets will stay open
Critical repairs to homes where required for emergency or safety
Cafes and restaurants for takeaway
Media
Critical service call centres
Medicare
Law enforcement and courts for urgent matters
Prisons, facilities for parolees, adult parole board, youth justice facilities
Emergency services
Essential maintenance and manufacturing
