Police are proceeding against seven people for failing to comply with the direction of the Director of Public Health, after being called to a gathering at a Winnaleah house.
Police attended a property at Main Street, Winnaleah, in relation to a report of a party, about 7pm on 12 April. Police spoke to the occupants who appeared to be complying at that time.
Approximately an hour later, police were tasked to re-attend the address in relation to a disturbance. Further investigation found that the owners of the house were hosting a gathering, with a total of 10 additional people, including children, attending the residence.
Police took the details of those attending the gathering and directed them to return to their homes.
An investigation was launched, with police questioning those who attended. As a result, the following people will be proceeded against by summons for failing to comply with a direction of the Director of Public Health;
- A 44 year old woman and 59 year old man from Winnaleah
- 24 year old woman from Pioneer
- A 33 year old man from Branxholm
- A 37 year old man and 34 year old woman from Winnaleah
- A 17 year old from Winnaleah will be proceeded against under the Youth Justice Act
"Hosting a gathering during a public health emergency is a blatant and deliberate breach of the directions of the Director of Public Health," said Acting Commander of the Northern District, Michael Johnston.
"It is vital that everyone, including those in more remote communities, are complying with the directions and police will respond to every report of a breach and issue summons where appropriate," he said.
"I would like to thank the members of the community of reported the gathering to police."
To report of a breach of COVID-19 directions online, visit coronavirus.tas.gov.au
