Australia’s Victorian Prime Minister, Dan Andrews, received international attention in September for the capital Melbourne’s harsh police response to protests against the COVID-19 restriction and $ 400 from police for not wearing a face mask. Was fined.
Victorian police on Friday afternoon confirmed that Andrews was fined $ 200 each time for violating the state’s Maskman date, both Wednesday and Thursday this week. In both cases, he was caught without a mask as he approached the daily press conference.
“We can confirm that Victorian police have issued two infringement notices to Prime Minister Daniel Andrews for violating the instructions of the Chief Health Officer,” the statement said.
Andrews previously apologized and urged police to investigate after the appearance of his video and photos without a face mask.
Andrews said in a statement to News.com.au that he would pay a fine from the police if he was found to have violated a public health order, otherwise he would donate the same amount to a charity. ..
“When I approached two press conferences behind the Capitol this week, I knew I had taken off my mask after getting out of the car and before going to the back door,” he said.
“I hope the Victorian police will evaluate this. If they choose to impose a fine, of course I will pay.
“If they don’t impose a fine, I donate the same value to a charity working to support this pandemic. This was an oversight, but the oversight is important. Everyone You have to follow the rules and I’m sorry it happened, “he said. Before being fined.
video A local Seven News reporter caught the incident on Thursday, and a News Corporation reporter Photo Wednesday’s maskless premiere.
In Victoria, according to the state government, people over the age of 12 should wear a face mask whenever they leave their home, indoors, or outdoors, unless legal exceptions apply.
Five million people in the state are subject to a stay-at-home order and are allowed to leave their homes wearing masks for five reasons. These reasons are the purchase of necessary goods and services, long-term care and long-term care, exercise, permitted work or permitted research, or vaccination with COVID-19.
By order from the state’s Supreme Health Officer, you must wear a mask while riding public transport, taxi or ride-sharing services for any of five permitted reasons.
Those who do not wear a face mask when needed will be fined $ 200.
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Caden Pearson is an Australian-based reporter with a background in screen writing and documentary. Contact him at [email protected]