As part of our ongoing transition to live with COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, Tasmania will gradually step down a number of our last remaining restrictions in the coming weeks.
From 12.01am Saturday 18 June, there will no longer be a requirement to wear masks in Tasmanian airports, although people will still be required to wear masks while on planes, in line with the national approach.
From 12.01am Saturday 25 June, people will no longer be required to wear face masks on public transport, including the Spirit of Tasmania, and it will no longer be a requirement for masks to be worn in schools, or early childhood education and care centres.
Additionally, from 30 June 2022, we will transition out of the Public Health Emergency Declaration, meaning the requirement to wear face masks in all other remaining settings such as hospitals, aged care facilities, disability providers and correctional facilities will not be mandatory, but will be based on a risk assessment for each setting.
I can also advise that large cruise ships will once again be welcomed back to our shores, with cruise ship visits to Tasmania anticipated to commence with the next cruise season in October 2022 - providing a welcome boost to local businesses and our economy after nearly three years without.
These are sensible steps forward as we continue to transition to living with COVID-19 and make personal choices regarding COVID protections, and adapt to a more normal way of living.
However, positive COVID-19 cases will still be required to quarantine for a minimum of seven days, and close contacts of positive cases will still be required to wear face masks in indoor settings when outside the home.
And while cases are trending downwards, it remains our collective responsibility to look out for one another by continuing to follow COVID-safe behaviours.
Please continue to practice good hand hygiene, follow social distancing, test when you have symptoms, wear a face mask in vulnerable settings or when around vulnerable people, and stay home when you are unwell.
And, remember to stay up to date on both your COVID and flu vaccinations, which are currently free for all Tasmanians at GPs, pharmacies and state-run vaccination clinics.