Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Health
Overnight, Tasmania has recorded 585 new cases with 424 people recovered and released from isolation in that time.
The total number of active cases currently stands at 3,562 and the total number of people who have recovered is now 34,731.
There are 12 people in hospital with COVID and of these, 7 are being treated specifically for COVID.
There are two people being cared for in the ICU.
Sadly, I can confirm that Tasmania has recorded one death overnight.
The person deceased is a male in his sixties and was being treated for pneumonia and consequently passed away with COVID a contributing factor having tested positive the day prior to passing away. The man was a palliating patient receiving care at home under a GP.
I would like to pass on my sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the man who has sadly passed away.
The evidence remains clear that the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones is to remain up-to-date with your COVID vaccination. Vaccination remains our best protection against COVID – and this now includes the booster dose.
More than 52 per cent of Tasmanians have now received their booster dose, and we want to see even more people turn up and boost their protection against COVID, particularly before we head into the winter season. If you're due for your booster, please make a booking as soon as possible at either a state-run vaccination clinic, your local GP or pharmacy.
Our 5-11-year-old vaccination continues to proceed well and we are leading the country with nearly 61 per cent of our children vaccinated. I encourage parents who have yet to book their children in for a vaccine to do it this weekend with walk-ins accepted at the following state-run vaccination centres today and tomorrow:
- The Don Centre, Devonport, Saturday 19 February;
- Main Road, Glenorchy, Sunday 20 February;
- 109 Collins Street, Hobart, Sunday 20 February; and
- The Old Transit Centre, Launceston, Sunday 20 February.
Please, don't forget the important COVID safe behaviours – wash your hands and sanitise, cover coughs and sneezes and importantly, stay home and do a test if you're unwell.
We will continue to keep Tasmanians informed at every step moving forward as the pandemic continues to evolve.
