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COVID-19 - Key Updates

Posted on April 07, 2020

This page will be updated as required.


Update 5.5.20

Premier, Minister, Director Public Health

Key Messages (Pinned unless highlighted)

  • COVID-19 Safety advice for businesses can be found on the Work Safe Tas website https://www.worksafe.tas.gov.au/
  • Govt. recommends downloading the Covidsafe app. More info: https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/media-releases/covidsafe-new-app-to-slow-the-spread-of-coronavirus
  • Stay home. Only leave house for essentials. Exercise and shop locally. Wash your hands regularly. Do not travel outside your local area unless you absolutely must.
  • Social distancing is a way of life for the foreseeable future. No expectation on a return to normal post May 15th.
  • Anyone in the State feeing unwell with even mild respiratory symptoms should call GP or hotline 1800671738 and must be tested.
  • New partnership with Fed. Govt. around domestic violence. Women who need help can call 1800RESPECT.
  • Take care of own mental health. Reach out if you need help. Reach out to others.
  • Retailers must ensure appropriate physical distancing.
  • No shack visits. Only launch boats in municipality you reside in during restriction.
  • No visiting nursing homes and hospitals (exceptions apply)
  • If you are acutely unwell or if need emergency care – seek emergency care, state-wide, dial 000.
  • Flu vaccines are encouraged. Call your GP.
  • Schools opened 28/4 in south and north. North-west Tasmanian schools opened 4th May. If children can learn from home this is the best place for them to be.
  • Aged care restrictions to be in place for one more week
  • Tasmanian state-wide restrictions will be in place until 15/5 unless otherwise advised. Lifting of Green space/beaches a priority. (Tasmanian restrictions may vary from other states.)
  • Guidelines for businesses being developed for when restrictions are lifted.
  • Local Government services will continue to operate as determined by each local council.

Useful links

Cases

  • 0 new cases identified as at 10am today 5/5/20
  • Total cases 221
  • 43 active cases
  • 13 deaths
  • Highest per capita death rate nationally. Speaks to Tasmania’s vulnerability.

North West Coast Outbreak

  • https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families-community/important-information-for-people-in-north-west-tasmania NW outbreak page
  • Statewide restrictions remain: Stay home except for essential purposes (work, essential supplies, medical, exercise).
  • North-west schools reopened Monday 4 May for students who cannot be schooled at home.
  • Testing available at Parkside Building drive & East Devonport Recreation Centre.
  • Maternity services, Spencer Clinic and ICU to be opened this week.
  • Expectant mothers have been contacted but are encouraged to call GP or hotline if the need support. Expectant mothers can access accommodation at Mantra and Hotel Charles located near Launceston General Hospital LGH). Contact Doctor to access.
  • Cancer patients can access hotel accommodation near LHG – contact Dr to access.

Testing

  • 549 presentations state wide yesterday.
  • Completed over 15,000 tests to date.
  • Anyone with even minor cold or flu symptoms in Tasmania can be tested for coronavirus. Call the public Health hotline 1800671738 or contact your GP.
  • Retesting – Tasmania follows current national public health guidelines. Retesting is being considered by peak infectious disease experts. Will await outcomes of assessment.
  • NW Testing: Parkside Building drive & East Devonport Recreation Centre.
  • Nth: Elphin Sport Centre (drive through)
  • Sth: Princes Wharf 1 (drive through)

Aged Care (pinned)

  • Aged care restrictions to be in place for one more week
  • No new cases identified.

“Stay Health Stay Connected” Campaign (pinned)

  • Online community (facebook) to encourage people to stay connected.
  • Join by liking the facebook page
  • Use hashtags to promote and be heard #stayhomestayconnected, #stayhomesavelives, #togetherintassie

Legislative Council Elections: Huon & Rosevears (Pinned)

  • Leg. Co Elections for Huon & Rosevears to be deferred.

Mental Health Resources (Pinned)

Link to Mental Health Resources: https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/keeping-yourself-safe/mental-health-support

www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au