Accommodation providers who blatantly breach chief health officer regulations and allow Melbourne COVID hot spot residents to stay will be liable for $10,904 on-the-spot fines.
Warrnambool police Senior Sergeant Cameron Ross said there would be a concerted effort to restrict the movement of people from the Melbourne to regional Victoria through Operation Guardianship.
He said 200 police officers would be dedicated to the task of checking the movement of vehicles out of metropolitan Melbourne in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The fine for leaving a hot spot and travelling to regional Victoria is $5452.
But, he said accommodation providers also had a major part to play.
One Port Fairy luxury accommodation provider already reported this week he had refused an online booking from a Melbourne resident.
Senior Sergeant Ross said anyone from Melbourne found in the south-west without a lawful excuse could expect to be fined.
"If we find that an accommodation provider has blatantly flouted the chief health officer regulations and accepted a booking from Melbourne residents then we would investigate that matter and they could be liable for a significant fine," he said.
"We are requesting anyone with information about potential breaches of the CHO regulations immediately contact the police assistance line on 131 444.
"The region has police members rostered on as part of the ongoing Operation Sentinel who will act on information received from the public.
"We want to do everything possible to keep the region COVID free, but we all have to play our part," he said.
The on-the-spot fines for businesses is $10,904 for:
- refusing or failing to comply with the emergency directions
- refusing or failing to comply with a public health risk power direction
- refusing or failing to comply with the Public Health Directions to provide information.
A $5452 fine can be issued for anyone found breaching gatherings directions in the home or outside, or for anyone who breaches the requirement to isolate or quarantine under a direction from the Department of Health.
Fines of up to $21,808 for adults and $109,044 for corporations are possible through the court system.
People who do not wear a face mask when required, and do not have a lawful exemption, can be fined $200.
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