百春链

Please attribute to Police Commissioner Andrew Coster:
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Police have today made a small number of arrests to help ensure community safety and limit any potential further spread of COVID-19.
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Officers in Christchurch this afternoon arrested three people allegedly involved in an anti-lockdown protest.
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A group of 10 people gathered on the Bridge of Remembrance on Cashel Street about 1pm.
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Police engaged and encouraged the protestors to comply with Alert Level 4 restrictions, however, three were taken into custody when they refused to do so.
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Two men, aged 46 and 50, and a woman, aged 56, have been charged with failing to comply with a direction/prohibition/restriction (COVID-19).
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They are expected to appear in Christchurch District Court tomorrow morning.
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Today’s protest follows a similar gathering yesterday at the same location. In that instance, two people were issued warnings.?
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Meanwhile, two people were arrested in the Far North after refusing to comply with the requirement to wear a face covering.?
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Police responded to the incident at Pak N Save Kaitaia about 12.30pm today.
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Two people were acting in a disorderly manner toward supermarket staff and other members of the public while refusing to wear a face covering.
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A 44-year-old man and 23-year-old woman were arrested for disorderly behaviour and breaching the Public Health Response Act. The woman was also reportedly behaving in a threatening manner.
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While the actions of these five people are disappointing, Police continue to see a high level of compliance from New Zealanders under Alert level 4.
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We all know what’s expected of us by now and that it takes a collective effort to stop COVID-19 in its tracks.
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Our communities are largely respecting the requirement to wear a face covering at essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies, and Police will remain out and about conducting compliance checks and reassurance patrols.?
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We would like to remind the public that while Police will be taking an education-first approach, as we’ve seen over the last couple of days, enforcement action will be taken when necessary.
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Lastly, motorists are urged to take care on the roads. That means avoiding unnecessary travel to reduce congestion, particularly around COVID-19 testing sites, and resisting the temptation of quieter roads by adhering to the speed limit.
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Alert Level 4 is in place to protect us all and we need everyone to do their part.?
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ENDS
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Issued by Police Media Centre.
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