As we adjust to living with COVID-19, the health and safety of Tasmanians remain our number one priority.
Today’s 702 new cases brings the total number of active cases in Tasmania to 2,244 as of 8pm last night.
Pleasingly, we have now seen close to 300 people recover from COVID-19 and subsequently be released from isolation – with 149 people released just overnight.
The evidence overwhelmingly shows that while the Omicron strain is highly transmissible, we’re seeing much milder and less severe effects. This means that the majority of people with COVID-19 are not symptomatic, in good health, and capable of caring for themselves in their suitable premises without the need to utilise our COVID@home program or enter one of our Community Case Management Facilities.
Whilst case numbers will continue to increase - and may lead to more people needing to be hospitalised - only 1 person is currently in hospital for COVID-19-related reasons, and no one has required ICU or ventilation. These are the statistics that matter.
It is clear that Tasmanians are recovering quickly from Omicron. This is due in no small part to our highly vaccinated population - one of the highest in the world.
While the increasing case numbers will continue to cause some concern in the community – which is completely understandable - they are not unexpected, and the reason we are now able to live with COVID is because of our highly vaccinated population.
We also continue to have appropriate safeguards in place to ensure we can continue to manage case numbers into the future, with density limits and gathering restrictions remaining in place, along with mandatory mask-wearing in most indoor settings.
With more than 2,000 tests undertaken yesterday, we are seeing a good response to our message that PCR testing is for anyone with symptoms, symptomatic close contacts and anyone with a positive RAT test.
However, we have acknowledged the need for increased testing, which is why from tomorrow, Wednesday 5 January, in partnership with TML Pathology, we are opening an additional testing clinic in Kingston. This testing clinic will be a drive-through clinic located at Kingborough Sports Centre and will be open from 10am – 4pm on Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
Tasmanians are encouraged to continue to use common sense: wear your mask indoors, practice good hygiene and get tested if unwell even with mild symptoms.