With just over two weeks to go before our borders are opened to most states and territories, it's alarming that no health check protocols have been developed for major entry points into the state.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said borders were originally scheduled to reopen in August, but Peter Gutwein still hasn't clearly communicated what plans are in place for health screening for visitors entering the state.
"We have heard that the government has only just begun conversations with the airports about the protocols that will need to be in place to manage the numbers of people arriving in the state.
"Peter Gutwein has had adequate time to prepare our major ports of entry for the influx of arrivals expected when borders open, with staff trained and ready to undertake the necessary health checks. However, it seems that none of this work is advanced.
"It's unthinkable that these plans are not already in place, with simulation drills being run at all facilities and clear protocols in place to deal with any arrivals displaying symptoms of COVID-19.
"Tasmanians need to know what Peter Gutwein's plan is.
"The Premier's own advisory committee has called on the government to give confidence to Tasmanians that control mechanisms to manage COVID-19 risks are being rigorously applied, particularly in the context of relaxing interstate border restrictions.
"Peter Gutwein needs to put the necessary measures in place and the Tasmanian public needs to be reassured that everything possible is being done to prevent COVID-19 from being brought back into the state."
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
