On advice from our health system leaders, the Tasmanian Government will implement a Level 2 Response to COVID-19, as we continue to take a highly precautionary and proactive approach.
The decision follows Tasmania’s first positive case of coronavirus, additional cases in other states and territories and the first instance of person-to-person transmission to occur in Australia.
This increased response includes the establishment of an Emergency Co-ordination Centre within the Department of Health, led by a dedicated Senior Executive and supported by the Department’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit, with policy, planning and administrative support. This work will be supported by the existing Incident Management Team which will now transition to a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, led by the Director of Public Health and Emergency Operation Centres in the Tasmanian Health Service and Ambulance Tasmania.
The Department of Health has undertaken significant work to prepare our health system for this challenge and this will allow additional resources to be brought in to ensure we continue to be well prepared.
The new arrangement will be progressively implemented over the coming week.
The Department of Health will continue to be the Lead Agency for the response to COVID-19, as part of the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) which was stood up last week to lead the whole-of-government coordination of the coronavirus response in Tasmania.
I would like to thank our dedicated health services staff across the entire health system, who are working tirelessly to ensure Tasmanians remain safe and are provided the care they need.
We have also established Tasmania’s first coronavirus respiratory clinic, which opened yesterday, and planning is well advanced for additional respiratory clinics around Tasmania in coming weeks.
It is critically important to note that we are taking a precautionary and proactive approach, and that Tasmanians remain at low risk from coronavirus.
We encourage anyone with concerns or further questions to call the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline helpline on 1800 671 738.
Further information
You can help slow the spread of viral illnesses by washing your hands often with soap and water, and using a tissue or elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, then disposing of the tissue in a rubbish bin.
If you think you might have COVID-19 because of recent travel or contact with a confirmed case, phone the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline (1800 671 738) for advice.
For general information about coronavirus, call the national 24-hour coronavirus information line on 1800 020 080 or visit the Australian Government Department of Health website at www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov.