POLICE have ordered campers to move on from Lockwood's Happy Jacks Recreation Reserve and found people in Bendigo flouting laws meant to stop coronavirus spreading.
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Officers have issued move-on orders to a number of people who were not observing social distancing laws in Bendigo, Sergeant Mark Bell said.
"They were sitting together in groups, they were not out exercising, going to shops or obeying the rules that say they are meant to be home," he said.
Authorities have implored people to stay home this Easter long weekend in a bid to keep COVID-19 contained.
"The only way this works is if everyone obeys the rules," Sergeant Bell said.
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Under Victoria's pandemic restrictions there are only four reasons to leave home: food and supplies, medical care or caregiving, exercise, and work or education.
Police are conducting checks at businesses, homes, community locations and non-essential services across the state to ensure directions are being followed.
They can issue on-the-spot fines of $1652 for individuals and $9913 for businesses.
Sergeant Bell said Bendigo police officers are favouring move-on orders, rather than fines, where appropriate.
They ordered one man from Swan Hill to leave the Happy Jacks Recreation Reserve's camping area.
Sergeant Bell did not have information at hand to confirm details for a second camper, but said those gathering in Bendigo had been ordered to disperse and move on.
Central Victoria's confirmed coronavirus cases have remained steady at 27 throughout the week, which health experts have put down to people complying with social distancing rules.
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Tom O'Callaghan
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
I grew up in Bendigo and I want to tell your stories.
