Victoria Police are pleased with the efforts of the majority of border bubble communities who are "doing the right thing" throughout the state's fifth lockdown as border operations continue.
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However, one hotel owner in Echuca has decided to take lockdown matters in his own hands.
In a post on social media, the business owner said he would reopen his venue despite lockdown orders.
"Due to the fact that you are allowed to shop at all of the major retail stores who are allowed to operate through this so-called 'pandemic'...I have made the decision that I am opening my hotel...for full dining services in the bistro and bar," he wrote.
"With a Constitutional Guarantee of 1946 Section 51.23a I am legally and lawfully allowed to operate my business without interference from any government authorities."
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Echuca Police spokeswoman confirmed The Pastoral Hotel was being investigated for breaching the chief health officer's COVID-19 lockdown orders.
"I can confirm it's being investigated and the Liquor License inspectors are involved," the spokeswoman said.
The Bendigo Advertiser tried to reach the hotel owner for comment but were unable to reach him.
Victorian Police can issue on-the-spot fines of up to $1,817 for adults and up to $10,904 for businesses for refusing or failing to comply with the emergency directions, a public health risk power direction or with the Public Health Directions to provide information.
Fines of up to $20,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations are possible through the court system.
Victoria Police confirmed there were 350 police officers allocated to Operation Sentinel VIII to enforce the Victoria-NSW border.
While a Victorian Police spokeswoman would not disclose details on individual towns and cities, she confirmed there was a fixed wing aircraft flying the length of the border each day from Mildura to Mallacoota.
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"These officers will be dedicated to ensuring only Victorian residents returning for 14 days of quarantine on a red zone permit, and those with exemptions for other reasons such as specified workers, are able to enter Victoria," the spokeswoman said.
"Police are conducting highly visible roving border patrols, traffic management points, vehicle intercepts, and spot checks, including at major transportation hubs.
"Daily patrols are continuing from the sky with the Air Wing monitoring the Hume Highway from Kilmore to Wodonga."
Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed on Tuesday the state's lockdown would extend for a further seven days and red zone permits would tighten to lower movement.
"While the situation further deteriorates, and we see more and more cases, hundreds of extra cases, in Sydney, (if) we get this outbreak under control, and then we finish up with another incursion brewing, I don't want that to happen," he said.
"There will be exemptions on compassionate grounds if you had a loved one that was unwell, if you yourself needed medical care if you needed to attend Victoria and spend time in Victoria for one of those sorts of reasons we will boost the number of people who are dealing with those exemptions."
Mr Andrews said this change to the permit system would remain in place for the next two weeks as would Operation Sentinel VIII.
"Victoria Police's operational response to the coronavirus outbreak in NSW is deliberately agile and flexible with all activities intelligence led as we continue to assess and reassess our logistical and personnel requirements," the Victorian Police spokeswoman said.
"There is always going to be the minority who think they can flout the rules and our message to those people is simple - don't even think about it."
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