COVID-19 Update (05 Aug 2021)

Dear Colleagues

The Premier has announced today that Tasmania has recorded a case of COVID-19. Importantly, this is not a case of community transmission, with the person having been in quarantine, before leaving the State.

I can confirm that whilst they were here, they moved through a transit corridor from arrival to departure, where stringent measures are in place to protect against possible infection.

The Director of Public Health has asked anyone in Tasmania within the following cohorts to immediately self-isolate at home or in your accommodation and wait to be contacted by Public Health:

• Passengers on flight VA808 from Sydney to Melbourne on Monday, 2 August 2021 at 7am; and
• Passengers on flight VA1364 from Melbourne to Launceston on Monday, 2 August 2021 at 10.40am.

The Director has also asked the following cohort to immediately self-isolate and call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738:

• Anyone at Launceston Airport on 4 August 2021 between 9am and 10am.

We are prepared for this situation and our system is working. I know hearing that someone with COVID-19 has been in Tasmania is news that puts us all on high alert. This is the appropriate response and I do urge everyone to be alert, but also remain calm. The best thing each of us can do is take personal responsibility for our actions.

I ask you to be cautious and to strongly adhere to the suite of COVID-19 safety measures:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes;
• Stay at least 1.5 metres away from others;
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water;
• Stay at home if you are unwell;
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms; and
• Be aware of, and follow, current gathering, business and travel restrictions.

It is vitally important that you use the Check in TAS App for every premises you enter.

Please also have a COVID-19 kit with you ready to use, consisting of masks and hand sanitiser.

The Premier and Director of Public Health will keep Tasmanians informed as the situation unfolds. I also urge you to actively monitor https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/facts/important-community-updates and if you are able to, watch the Premier’s live media addresses.

If you have any questions please contact the Public Health Hotline.

As the Premier has said our border system works and we have measures in place to reduce our risk. However, I cannot stress highly enough – if you are anywhere in Tasmania and you have symptoms, please call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 and get tested.

Best wishes