The health and safety of Tasmanians remains our number one priority as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 situation in other states.
Earlier today, it was announced that South Australia would enter a seven day lockdown from 6pm this evening due to confirmation of a number of locally acquired COVID-19 cases in that State. In response, from 4pm today, South Australia has been declared high-risk by Tasmania’s Director of Public Health.
This means that anyone wanting to travel to Tasmania from South Australia will not be permitted to enter, unless approved as an Essential Traveller, including returning Tasmanians.
For people already in Tasmania who were in South Australia on or after 8 July, we ask they immediately check the currently designated high risk premises in South Australia, and if you have been at one of those premises at the dates and times specified, please immediately self-isolate and contact the public health hotline on 1800 671 738 for further advice.
For those people who have been in South Australia since 8 July and are now in Tasmania, you are required to wear a mask when in public, avoid public gatherings as much as possible and minimise public interactions for 14 days after being in South Australia.
Tasmania now has border restrictions in place for all of South Australia, Victoria, and NSW, along with a number of high-risk locations in Queensland, and our thoughts are with all those affected in these states as they battle to get their outbreaks under control.
Due to the Victorian lockdown being extended for another seven days, we will require that anyone who has been in Victoria since July 8 to continue to wear a face mask while in public, avoid public gatherings as much as possible, minimise public interactions for 14 days after being in Victoria, as well as continuing to ensure they use Check in Tas, monitor the high-risk premises list and also their health for any symptoms.
This requirement will stay in place until at least midnight this Friday, if not longer, and an update will be provided on Friday.
We also ask students and staff who have been in Victoria since July 8 to remain away from school for the remainder of this week, with another update to be provided on Friday so families and schools have clarity heading into next week.
Similarly, students and staff who have been in South Australia since 8 July should also not return to school for the remainder of this week, with more information to be provided on Friday.
While this is difficult, it is necessary to ensure the risk is minimised to the community should a case emerge, and I thank those affected for their understanding.
The escalating situation interstate is yet another reminder of the importance of our vaccination program, and Tasmanians continues to do a fantastic job of rolling up their sleeves, with almost 44 per cent of Tasmanians now having received one dose, and almost 19.5 per cent fully vaccinated– that’s 85,896 Tasmanians.
Our message remains – don’t hesitate. Vaccinate- in particular if you work in the aged care and disability sector and have not had your first dose, as there are appointments available right now around the State.