THREE Mildura locals have been fined for breaching strict new social distancing measures.
According to Mildura Police Superintendent Rebecca Olsen, the isolation breaches were in relation to a group of males not abiding by State Government restrictions, which were recently introduced to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Supt Olsen said a small quantity of drugs was also located during the police intercept on Hugh King Drive in Mildura at about 5am on Monday and the men were each fined $1,652.
The total number of fines since the new restrictions have been enforced is now 307 across Victoria, the majority of these breaches were in relation to people being out of their usual place of residence and attending disruptive parties in houses, or gatherings in public parks.
The State Government announced new on-the-spot fines for those who breached physical-distancing rules.
On-the-spot infringement notices of up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses can be issued by police for refusing or failing to comply with the Chief Health Officer (CHO) and Deputy Chief Health Officer emergency directions or public health risk directions.
"There are only four reasons to leave your house: for food and supplies, exercise, medical care and caregiving, and for work and education - if necessary," Supt Olsen said.
"We are asking Victorians to sacrifice a lot. But it may be the most important thing we ever do. Stay home. Protect our health system."
The strict new measures have also been extended to park and camping facilities, with a warning to campers along the Murray River to pack up and go home.
"At the direction of the Chief Health Officer, Parks Victoria has closed all playgrounds on its estate to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)," Parks Victoria said in a statement.
"To stop groups of people gathering around park facilities, all Parks Victoria managed BBQ facilities, water drinking fountains, picnic shelters and tables, rotundas, toilets and viewing platforms are also closed until further notice. Parks remain accessible for exercise if physical distancing requirements are strictly followed."
Major historic sites in parks and reserves are closed until further notice.
