The Tasmanian Liberal Government wants to assure Tasmanians there is no need to panic about getting your daily essentials.
It is understandable people are feeling uncertain as the threat of COVID-19 continues. However, today I met with key freight supply chain and logistics companies supplying Tasmania to discuss maintaining operations during the current outbreak and restrictions on movement.
These operators advise they are coping well with the increased demand for consumer items we are currently experiencing – this increase in demand is not unique to our state.
It is important to note our new self-isolation requirements specifically exclude people involved in bringing in the products we need, so there is no need to buy more than you need or more than your ‘normal grocery shop’.
As we have reiterated, do not stockpile goods. More will come in quickly to replace anything that has sold out in the supermarkets.
The safety of the key logistics workers like truck drivers and shipping workers is also critical, and we are working with industry to ensure appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place.
We are also working closely with air freight customers to assess impacts on availability of air freight arising from the downturn in air travel, and we will continue to monitor the situation.
The Tasmanian Government will continue to work with industry to minimise impacts of COVID-19 on freight operations as the situation continues to unfold, to make sure Tasmanians can access the things they need every day.
*The meeting was conducted remotely recognising we all need to adapt the way we do business in the current environment.
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