COVID-19 Update (08 Jul 2022)

Dear Colleagues

I write to provide you with a COVID-19 update, following the Premier’s press conference on Wednesday.

As the Premier said, Tasmania experienced 1700 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, 6 July 2022, bringing our State’s total active cases to 8201.  We are experiencing increased numbers of the Omicron sub-variant strain BA.5, and while at the moment it appears not as severe as earlier strains like Delta, it is highly transmissible.

We are a highly vaccinated state, which does provide us a level of protection. However, we must each take personal responsibility in relation to our health. Practising COVID safe behaviours including getting vaccinated and boosted, washing your hands, wearing a mask, and using hand sanitiser remain vital. Yesterday the Australian Government announced that it was accepting ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) advice  to roll out  4^th doses of vaccines for the 50+ age group, and that a 4^th dose will also be made optional for 30-49 year olds.

Furthermore, the Australian Health Protection Principles Committee (AHPPC) have released a COVID-19 winter update and ongoing health protection measures to support our community statement and I would encourage you to read it at  https://www.health.gov.au/news/ahppc-statement-on-covid-19-winter-update-and-ongoing-health-protection-measures-to-support-our-community.

It is important, particularly at the moment during the winter months, that we remember people are more likely to be undertaking indoor activities and mixing with others. I echo the Premier’s encouragement to wear a mask when you are in an indoor public place, particularly where you cannot practice social distancing. We must all also make anyone wearing a mask comfortable to do so, in any situation. In addition if you have symptoms, stay home and get tested.

The same behaviours that mitigate the risk of COVID-19 are the ones that mitigate the risk of flu, and I would also like to take the opportunity to remind you to get a free flu vaccine from a pharmacy or your GP. They are available until 31 July.

If our changing COVID-19 landscape is causing worry for you, please remember the EAP is there for all state servants. You can call and access confidential, free advice and counselling. Lifeline (13 11 14) or any other service that provides support and counselling are other options to seek support from.

All the latest information for Tasmanians relating to COVID-19 is available at https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/.

Best wishes

Jenny