New Zealand Police continue to ask people to stick to the rules of Alert Level 4 over the weekend.
We know from previous experience that New Zealanders, by and large, comply with the restrictions, and we know that following the guidelines does work but we do need compliance.
Our staff are out and about around the country conducting reassurance checks, and people can expect to be questioned about their movements.
Police has a low tolerance of unlawful gatherings and people can expect that we will look to enforce the current restrictions.
Since Alert Level 4 came into place, Police staff have carried out 2964 reassurance checks at essential facilities (petrol stations, pharmacies, supermarkets).
Over that same period, 4015 prevention and reassurance patrols were completed, along with 2214 business checks in relation to the pandemic response.
While compliance overall has been good, there is a small minority of people who have come to the attention of Police and the actions of these people are incredibly disappointing.
Since Alert Level 4 came into place, 17 people have been charged with a total of 20 offences nationwide.
Of the 20 charges filed, 11 are for Failing to Comply with Order (COVID-19), 7 for Failure to Comply with Direction/Prohibition/Restriction and 2 for Health Act Breaches.
In the same time period, 53 formal warnings were issued (to 53 people).
13 of the formal warnings were for Failing to Comply with Order (COVID-19), 16 for Failure to Comply with Direction/Prohibition/Restriction and 24 for Health Act Breaches.
Police have received a total of 3,318 - 105 online breach notifications. 1776 were about a gathering, 1259 were about a business, and 283 were about a person.
In addition to the 105 online breach reports, a total of 2,663 Covid-19 related calls were made to the 105-phone line. The majority (72%) of calls were requests for information, and 28 percent were to report perceived Covid-19 breaches.
From 19 August 2021, Police began issuing infringements for COVID-19 related breaches.
As at 5:00pm on 20 August 2021, Police have issued 70 infringements nationwide. The breakdown of these offences is as follows:
• Obstruct/Hinder Medical Officer of Health or Person Assisting Med Officer - 4
• Person failed to remain at current home / residence – 61
• Person failed to comply with applicable physical distancing rule – 4
• Person failed to wear a face covering - 5
We have all seen what happens overseas when people ignore the rules, and it’s imperative that everyone stays home.
Everyone knows what is expected of them, and it will take a collective effort to stop COVID-19 in its tracks.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre