COVID-19 Update (15 Oct 2021)

Dear colleagues,

Following a COVID-19 positive case in Hobart, the Premier has just announced there will be a three‑day lockdown in southern Tasmania from 6:00pm today. This decision is based on Public Health advice.

Impacted Local Government Areas:

Brighton Council  
Central Highlands Council  
Clarence City Council  
Derwent Valley Council  
Glamorgan-Spring Bay Council  
Glenorchy City Council  
Hobart City Council  
Huon Valley Council  
Kingborough Council  
Sorell Council  
Southern Midlands  Council
Tasman Council

It has become apparent over the last few days that the person in question has most likely visited more premises than they originally disclosed and continues to provide inaccurate information to Public Health Services.  As a result, Public Health advice is that a short, sharp lockdown is an appropriate, and proportionate, response to managing the risk of community transmission.

A lockdown requirement will be in place from 6:00pm today Friday, 15 October 2021 until 6:00pm on Monday, 18 October 2021. The public health risk will continue to be assessed to determine whether this needs to be extended. No decisions have been made at this stage and so the requirement is in place for the next three days.

The requirement means people in the designated Local Government areas must stay home except for a number of specified reasons such as shopping for food, beverages, fuel, medicine and health goods.

In relation to going to work, this is permitted only where a person works in a business, services or premises allowed to operate, and who cannot work from home.  Please talk with your Manager if you are unsure whether you must work from home.  Face masks will be required at all times except inside homes and except for those under 12 years of age, medical reasons or exemptions provided by the Director of Public Health.  A copy of the lockdown requirements is available on the Tasmanian coronavirus website.

Leave because of COVID-19 in certain circumstances is available to all State Service employees (including casuals, sessional, seasonal and relief workers) officers, and secondees, through the State Service Regulations. Further information is available on the DPAC website.

If you have children at school, only children that cannot be supported at home are permitted to attend. All senior secondary students will be supported to learn at home on Monday, 18 October 2021.

As the Premier has stated previously, we always knew that this time would come.  We are in a good position to manage it, with plans and staff in place to work through any issues. Our vaccination rates are high and increasing, and this is critical to protecting the Tasmanian community.

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.

I know, though, this is an anxious time and I encourage anyone who feels in need of support to use our Employee Assistance Program.

For up-to-date and more detailed information, please visit the Tasmanian coronavirus website.

Best wishes