The Tasmanian Government’s top priority is to keep Tasmanians safe as we continue to respond to the evolving COVID-19 situation across the country.
I am pleased to advise that after another 24 hours of testing, there have once again been zero negative tests for COVID-19, from a total of 1543 laboratory tests completed over that period.
This is positive news, and with five days now having passed since a positive case was confirmed in hotel quarantine, and with all contacts quarantined or managed appropriately, we are cautiously optimistic that the risk of there being any further cases in Tasmania is now low.
That said, Public Health will continue to manage and monitor the close contacts currently in quarantine to ensure any risk is managed and responded to.
The Delta strain has changed the game, and we must respond with every precaution to alleviate the ever-increasing risk.
That’s why, from 6.00pm this Friday 13 August, all Ubers and Taxis in Tasmania will be required to have a QR code check in system in place. This will provide the means for any immediate contact tracing required should a case emerge, and the Department of State Growth will be assisting the industry to implement this measure – noting that some are already doing it voluntarily.
Further work will be done by Public Health in coming days on extending this requirement to buses, noting that on public transport in a number of other states, this requirement has not been implemented due to buses having known and regular timetables, making contact tracing easier.
We continue to act swiftly in response to outbreaks in other states, and border restrictions remain in place with the entirety of NSW and Victoria. With the lockdown lifting in regional Victoria at midnight tonight, Public Health will closely consider the situation and provide an update in coming days.
The Cairns and Yarrabah regions were also declared as high risk level-2 areas from 4pm yesterday, 8 August, following the Queensland Government’s decision to declare a three-day lockdown for those regions.
This means that from 7pm yesterday, 8 August, any person who has been in the Cairns and Yarrabah regions on or since 29 July 2021 will not be permitted to enter Tasmania, unless approved as an essential traveller. If approved, you will need to quarantine in a suitable premises for 14 days.
A Stay at Home Order has also been implemented meaning anyone who is in Tasmania who has been in the Cairns and Yarrabah regions on or since 29 July 2021 and has not been directed into home quarantine, should immediately follow the stay-at-home restrictions.
We also ask that school students and staff affected by this Stay at Home Order not attend school for the time being to ensure the risk is minimised. While we expect this to impact a very small number of staff and students, we do thank them for their understanding. We ask anyone who has questions about their personal situation to please contact the Public Health Hotline for advice on 1800 671 738.
This Direction will be reviewed daily as the Queensland situation evolves.
While Tasmania remains in a good place, the escalating situation interstate is another important reminder of the need to continue doing the right thing.
Please get vaccinated, cover your coughs and sneezes, wash and sanitise your hands regularly, maintain appropriate distancing, stay home if you’re unwell and get tested – even if you have mild symptoms.