COVID-19 Update (19 Oct 2021)

Dear colleagues

As I am sure you know, yesterday the Premier delivered the good news that as of 6:00 pm last night, 18 October 2021, Southern Tasmania came out of lockdown. Thank you for doing what was needed to keep us all safe.

Today, as you return to normal business operations, please remember you are required to wear a mask when you are outside your home, including when you are at work or in a public area (other than the existing exemptions for physical activity) until 6:00 pm Friday, 22 October 2021. At this time, the Premier has indicated that the necessity to wear a mask will be reviewed by Public Health on Friday.

If you do not have a mask there will be limited stock available at State Service office buildings. Alternatively, if you have any concerns about returning to your specific place of work, please speak directly with your Manager. As always, we’ll continue to take the advice of Public Health and communicate any changes that impact you if needed.

Our vaccination and testing rates have lifted over the past few days across Tasmania, and this is critical to protecting our community.

Again, I ask that if you have cold or flu like symptoms, no matter how mild, please get tested, and if you are not vaccinated, please do so as soon as you can, noting that vaccinations are now available by walking into a state clinic, pharmacy or GP.

While vaccination is an incredibly important measure in our response, it does not replace the suite of things we all need to continue to do for the safety of ourselves and others. As we prepare for the summer season and welcome more visitors to Tasmania, these measures are our best line of defence:

• 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.

We understand the recent lockdown was hard for some Tasmanians both personally and financially. Please send the below information onto those who you know need assistance.

Tasmanian Government support

If you are aware of a business impacted by the recent Southern lockdown between 6:00 pm Friday, 15 October to 6:00 pm Monday, 18 October 2021, encourage them to contact Business Tasmania to find out if they are eligible for financial support

Australian Government support

The Australian Government has also made COVID-19 Disaster payments available to compensate for losses due to the Southern lockdown. Financial support availability varies depending hours of work lost and if workers are currently receiving an income support payment.

The claim period opens on Friday, 22 October 2021. Detailed information about the COVID-19 Disaster Payment, including eligibility and how to claim, is available online at Service Australia Covid-19 Disaster Payment.

Thank you for caring for our community, and being proactive, to stop the potential spread of COVID-19 in Tasmania.

Best wishes