Peter Gutwein,Premier
The health and wellbeing of Tasmanians is our number one priority as we face the challenges presented to us by COVID-19.
Following today's meeting of the National Cabinet, we agreed to risk mitigation measures for non-essential indoor gatherings of fewer than 100 people including the following:
- In a given occupied space, there must be a density of no more than one person per four square metres of floor space. The four square metre arrangements for venues will come into effect from 20 March 2020 and will be mandated through state and territory regulatory arrangements.
- For example, there can be 25 people in a 100 square metre room, who should maintain a physical healthy distance between each other of 1.5 metres.
- Hand hygiene products and suitable waste receptacles must be made available, with frequent cleaning and waste disposal taking place.
- The Department of Health recommendations for unwell individuals to isolate at home must be promoted.
- For example, cinemas and theatres will decrease density of patrons, which could include alternate seating, staggered seating and alternate rows, except for family groups who may be seated together.
- Seated restaurants may need to undertake a capacity reduction in order to meet the above density requirements.
The decision to introduce these measures were not taken lightly and are being implemented to help better protect Tasmanians.
The Tasmanian Government recognises these are challenging times, and we will continue to put the health and safety of Tasmanians first as we work to support business, jobs, families and the community through these tough times.
If your business has been affected by cancellations both now, and in forward bookings due to the coronavirus, please contact Business Tasmania on 1800 440 026 to discuss your situation.
Important information for the public:
- From tomorrow (21 March) anyone who returns from interstate, apart from people classified as essential travellers, must self-quarantine for 14 days.
- Anyone who returns from overseas or interstate and develops symptoms within 14 days should ring the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 or contact their GP. If you are experiencing extreme symptoms which require emergency treatment ring 000 or go to the emergency department.
- People can help stop the spread of respiratory illness by washing their hands regularly with soap and water and covering sneezes and coughs with a tissue or their elbow.
- It is important to remember that if you are unwell – do not attend work or school or visit settings with vulnerable people such as aged care homes or hospitals – and seek medical advice as appropriate.
- The situation with coronavirus is changing regularly. People can stay up to date by visiting the Tasmanian Department of Health coronavirus website at http://www.health.tas.gov.au/coronavirus or the Australian Government Department of Health website at https://www.health.gov.au/.
