SYDNEY (AUSTRALIA) – Victoria state in Australia said on Tuesday that military personnel will be deployed to implement COVID-19 isolation orders. Those breaching the rules would face hefty fines as high as A$20,000 (10,899.50 pounds).
Victoria earlier this week implemented a night curfew, tightening restrictions on people and ordered large parts of the local economy to shut down to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said on Tuesday, nearly a third of those who contracted COVID-19 were not observing home isolation as per officials, thereby requiring tough new penalties.
Andrews said 500 military personnel will be deployed this week in Victoria to boost enforcement of self-isolation orders. Fines for violating stay at home orders would go nearly A$5,000 ($3,559.00). The only exemption will be for urgent medical care.
Andrews told, “There is literally no reason for you to leave your home and if you were to leave your home and not be found there, you will have a very difficult time convincing Victoria police that you have a lawful reason.”
Australia has recorded nearly 19,000 COVID-19 cases and 232 fatalities, far few than many other developed nations after closing its international borders early, imposing social distancing restrictions and mass virus testing.
The infections have increased in the country, with nearly 12,000 reported cases. On Tuesday, Victoria reported 439 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours.
Andrews said 11 people had died from the virus since Monday, bringing the state’s death toll to 136. The virus has spread significantly throughout Victoria’s aged care facilities, with many of the deaths among the elderly.
Victoria Minister for Police Lisa Neville told, “There are a number of people who have knowingly breached the curfew — so somebody who decided they were bored and they were going to go out for a drive, somebody who decided that they needed to buy a car after 8 pm last night.”
It was earlier announced that Australia would pay people in the state A$1,500 to remain at home if they were ordered to and they do not have leave entitlements.
New South Wales on Tuesday reported 12 new cases, a few of which were triggered by infected people travelling from Victoria.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.