Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020

Dated 30 March 2020.

under the Public Health Act 2010

Explanatory note:

The object of this Order is to give certain Ministerial directions to deal with the public health risk ofCOVID-19 and its possible consequences. In particular, this order directs that a person must not, without reasonable excuse, leave the person’s place of residence. Examples of a reasonable excuse include leaving for reasons involving—

(a) obtaining food or other goods and services, or

(b) travelling for the purposes of work or education if the person cannot do it at home,

(d) medical or caring reasons. In addition, this order directs that a person must not participate in a gathering in a public place of more than 2 persons. Exceptions include—(a) gatherings of members of the same household,

(b) gatherings essential for work or education.

Section 10 of the Public Health Act 2010 creates an offence if an individual fails to comply with a direction with a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 6 months or a fine of up to $11,000 (or both) plus a further$5,500 fine each day the offence continues. Corporations that fail to comply with a direction are liable to a fine of $55,000 and $27,500 each day the offence continues.

Please note that travel for reasons other than the above indicated reasonable excuses is not permitted at this time.

This Order commences at the beginning of 31 March 2020.

Note. Section 7(5) of the Act provides that, unless it is earlier revoked, an order under that section expires at the end of 90 days after it was made or on such earlier date as may be specified in the order. Accordingly, this Order will expire at the end of 29 June 2020 unless it is revoked earlier.

Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020