10 January 2021

SES to staff call centre for home and hotel quarantine compliance

| David Murtagh
Start the conversation
Police checkpoint

Returning residents who have been to a COVID-19 hotspot are being directed into quarantine for 14 days. Photo: Michelle Kroll

ACT Policing’s COVID-19 Taskforce is being bolstered with additional support from the ACT State Emergency Service (ACTSES).

From tomorrow (11 January), ACTSES volunteers will work with police to ensure people undertaking home and hotel quarantine meet the conditions of their entry to the ACT.

Over the coming days, people in quarantine will receive a text message asking them to call ACT Policing’s Police Assistance line on 131 444. When they call back, an ACTSES volunteer will ask people to verify their details and quarantine requirements.

ACT Policing COVID-19 Taskforce’s Detective Superintendent Rohan Smith said people in quarantine should expect to be contacted at least once during their quarantine period.

“At the moment there are more than 2800 people in quarantine and in the past few weeks police have been conducting approximately 1500 compliance checks weekly,” Detective Superintendent Smith said.

“We will continue to conduct checks at houses and with ACTSES support we now have the opportunity to speak with people, which will be a significant support to anyone who is in quarantine.”

Detective Superintendent Smith noted that some people will receive multiple checks during their period of quarantine if police identify a potential risk, which could include welfare support.

“ACT Policing and the ACT Emergency Services Agency have a strong record of working together during emergencies to ensure that the Canberra community is safe, supported and informed. We’re thankful for ACTSES volunteers supporting our Taskforce for the COVID-19 response,” he said.

The ACTSES also supported ACT Policing last year during COVID-19 operations.

For further information about travel to the ACT and quarantine requirements, visit the ACT Government’s COVID-19 website.

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.