Update from Apollo Bay Police re COVID-19

20th April 2020

Update from Apollo Bay Police.

Hi folks! Not much has changed for us - the lockdown continues.

The the state of emergency will continue until the 11th of May meaning the current restrictions will be in force until then. As the support agency, my crew and I will continue to assist DHHS, who are the control agency as part of Operation Sentinel. Most of our work will continue to be detection and enforcement regarding breaches, visiting those in directed isolation and providing assistance and visibility as required.

I cannot tell you what will happen after the 11th as the rate of infection around that time will likely dictate what DHHS advises the state government is appropriate. The restrictions may stay the same or be revised.

Compliance with the restrictions by locals remains at an excellent level. Some people have received fines during the past week and have all been people who have travelled here without a valid reason. An example is a small group today who lied about having employment here in order to stay at a B&B. When the story was checked they admitted to lying to the operator and us.

Many vehicles not registered to the area are being checked and the occupants spoken to. Most have had a valid reason such as uni students moving between their home address here and their Melbourne Address. We are giving them the third degree a bit but we need to for the moment. We just Don’t want to drop the ball until we are told we can ease off.

In relation to the exercise clause there is a lot of debate going on in the public arena and I understand that some of it would seem to not make biological sense where there is low risk of contact I would just say that a red traffic light in Finders Street at lunchtime means the same as a red light in the middle of the night somewhere in regional Victoria. My crew and I have to work off the same set of instructions as our city counterparts and striking the right balance can be difficult.

Golf and fishing are still out for now.

In relation to surfing which is very, very popular all the way up the coast at the moment, I have requested DHHS provide more clarity on the subject and perhaps provide an acceptable distance from person’s place of residence.

Remember that we should mostly be at home. Need to stick to our guns for duration. DHHS COVID-19 Hotline is good for any questions you have or call the station and I or another member will try to get an answer for you.

What I am concerned more about at the moment are those in our communities that may be struggling with their mental health. There are huge personal and financial pressures on people at the moment. It is natural to feel anxious and uncertain about the future or even angry but if you or someone you know is having feelings of real dread or of being overwhelmed or lonely there are services that can help. A good start is your GP and we can also do some referrals. If you are really worried about someone let me know by ringing the station and we will pay them a visit and check on them.

The Coronavirus App has up to date information and is worth installing if you have not already. The statistics for Victoria are really encouraging with 140 odd active cases as of today taking into account those who have recovered. This time last week that figure was closer to 600. No cases recorded in our shire to date which is great.

My next post will be in a week or so or if anything changes.

Keep up the good work.

Damian Bould

Sergeant 30418
Apollo Bay Police