COVID-19 Update (30 Jun 2022)

Dear Colleagues,

I write to provide you with an important update about COVID-19.

The Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Veitch, has determined that the Public Health Emergency declaration to 30 June 2022 will not be extended past this date.

The clinical consequences of COVID-19 remain manageable by our health system. From 1 July 2022 cases, contacts and outbreaks of COVID-19 will continue to be managed by Public Health using non-emergency powers under the Public Health Act 1997.

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the risks and consequences for Tasmania are not over. We are currently experiencing a moderately high incidence of COVID-19 in the early weeks of a wave of the BA.5 Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). We must all maintain familiar COVID-safe behaviours to help reduce the risk to ourselves and others.

The Premier recently announced changes to some mandatory COVID-19 measures, including the progressive removal of Public Health requirements for face masks to be worn in various settings.

From 1 July 2022, most mandated public health requirements to wear a facemask will lapse. Close contacts must still wear facemasks when they are in an indoor setting outside their home, and facemasks must still be worn on commercial aircraft. Everyone must be made comfortable to electively wear a facemask when they choose to do so, to reduce risk to themselves and others, particularly in settings where physical distancing cannot readily be maintained.

Agencies, including those previously subject to Public Health mask mandates, must assess their ongoing risk from COVID-19, and will be considering the role of mask recommendations or requirements as part of their plan to mitigate their risk.

COVID-19 Risk Assessments

The transition to this new phase of Tasmania’s response to COVID-19 has significant implications for our state service workplaces, and our work health and safety requirements.

All agencies are reviewing their work health and safety risk assessments in the light of current circumstances. As part of this they will be consulting with their employees about the revised risk assessment, vaccination policies, and other COVID risk mitigations.

Living with COVID

A combination of COVID-safe behaviours including getting vaccinated, wearing facemasks, physical distancing, hand-washing, and staying home and getting tested if you have symptoms, remain our best protections against COVID-19.

I encourage anyone who is experiencing stress or concern about living with COVID-19 to access the EAP as a confidential free advice and counselling service. You can also reach out to Lifeline (13 11 14) or any other service that provides support and counselling.

Finally, remember https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/ remains the best place for all Tasmanians to find timely, accurate information on COVID-19.

Best wishes