ACT Police warn flouting social distancing rules can lead to fines

ACT Policing have taken an "educative" approach in enforcing distancing measures but Chief Police Officer Ray Johnson said fines would be more likely as the pandemic unfolded.

"It would be commonsense to think as we get further into this fines might become more likely if people continue to, multiple times, disobey the directions," he said.

ACT police say they've received more than 740 reports of coronavirus-related incidents across Canberra.

While no infringements have been issued, an ACT police spokesman said several people had been charged with offences for behaviour linked to COVID-19 but not related to health directions.

Two men have faced the ACT Magistrates Court charged with acting to cause public alarm. A woman also faced court earlier this week accused of coughing on officers and falsely claiming to have COVID-19 over the Easter weekend.

Chief Police Officer Johnson said there had been a change in recent weeks of people using coronavirus to threaten other people's safety.

"This callous behavior will not be tolerated, and I would like to remind the public that coughing and spitting on ACT Policing officers or anyone is considered an assault.

"Coughing and spitting on someone is disgusting at all times, and in the COVID-19 environment there is additional risk to safety."

"I don't understand how that seems to be okay these days, it is not.

"Police have laid charges and will continue to lay charges if such matters are seen. It's not a joke."

The police spokesman said officers would wear protective equipment should they have to deal with someone who was suspected of having COVID-19.

"The majority of our community are adhering to social distancing and current health directions, and I thank them for their cooperation," Chief Police Officer Johnson said.

However, he said police had received several calls of people gathering at Kingston Foreshore and said police presence in the area would continue over the weekend.

While there had been fewer cars on the roads due to social distancing measures, officers would still be out in force over the Anzac Day long weekend.

"As we head into the Anzac Day long weekend, I would like to remind people not be become complacent," Chief Police Officer Johnson said.

"We will also be out in our community, participating in compliance checks with government agencies and responding to other COVID-19 reports as needed."