THE Limestone Coast’s highest ranking police officer has conceded there is a heightened concern regarding people’s adherence to COVID-19 advice following the easing of restrictions across South Australia.
Residents flocked to Mount Gambier’s central business district over the weekend, capitalising on good weather and the easing of outdoor dining restrictions.
Cafe hot spots across the city were able to accommodate 10 people in their outdoor areas and as a result remained busy throughout the weekend.
The coastal hot spot of Port MacDonnell was also brimming with visitors on Sunday afternoon as a relatively warm and calm autumn day blessed the district.
It was followed yesterday by South Australia recording its 10th straight day of zero new COVID-19 cases, continuing its trend as one of the safest places to live in the world during the pandemic.
However, with more restrictions to be eased early next month, Limestone Coast Police officer in charge Superintendent Phil Hoff warned against complacency during this critical period.
“The directions that have been provided so far have largely been complied with, but we are not out of the woods yet,” Supt Hoff said.
“We are all in this together, this is not just the responsibility of the police – everyone has to take responsibility for their own actions.”
He admitted officers were on heightened alert to ensure people continued to adhere to social-distancing guidelines.
“Wash your hands, keep 1.5 metres distance from each other and if you are unwell, stay at home – the messages remain the same,” he said.
“We will continue to take the approach of keeping people educated and informed and the community should be reminded the government have an enormous amount of information available if you are unsure about your obligations.”
Mount Gambier City Council environmental health officer Nicole Dodds urged the community to continue to “demonstrate compliance, not complacency”.
“With the restrictions being eased we are seeing more people out and about in parks and in the central business district,” Ms Dodds said.
“We want everyone to remain vigilant with the current protocols and be mindful and supportive of eachother’s compliance.”
Ms Dodds said there still appeared to be one area of confusion for residents and businesses in relation to 10-person gatherings.
“We are trying to get people to understand the one person per four square metre rule still applies, regardless of the patron limit,” Ms Dodds said.
Supt Hoff said people travelling throughout the region could also expect to see an increased presence at the state’s borders.
It follows Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin last week calling on South Australian Premier Steven Marshall to tighten border control measures for non-essential travellers across the Limestone Coast.
“We are committing additional resources to border control and you can expect to see more patrols at these sites,” Supt Hoff said.
“They will be paying particular attention to any vehicle that looks like it does not belong.
“We all have a role to play and we expect a mature and cooperative response from our community and cross-border communities.”
