Stronger measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 on Tasmania's North West Coast have been welcomed by the Labor party.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said while most people are doing the right thing, some people still seemed to misunderstand their responsibilities.
"We know that the spread of COVID-19 happens when people move around their community.
"What's needed to end the outbreak in the North West is for everyone to stay home, unless it's absolutely essential that they leave.
"If an outbreak can happen on the NW coast it can happen anywhere and that is why everyone across the state must remain vigilant and do the right thing so we can get on top of this situation.
"I want to send a message to the people of the NW that you have our full support and we will do everything we can to help you through these difficult times.
"There have been 10 new cases related to the North West outbreak in the past day, and more than half the state's 180 cases are related to that outbreak.
"The reasons these restrictions are in place is to save lives. If that means police roadblocks are needed to stop unnecessary movement, we support that.
"We support every step taken by the government to protect the health of people in North West Tasmania, and right across the state."
Ms White said it was encouraging to see the Premier and Health Minister urge anyone with symptoms to show up to be tested for COVID-19.
"It's worrying to learn that staff and residents in three aged care facilities in the North West may have been exposed to the virus, and reassuring to know they will be prioritised for testing today.
"Tasmania now has capacity to undertake 500 tests a day, and I urge anyone with respiratory symptoms in the NW to contact their doctor or the COVID-19 hotline and arrange to be tested.
"The only way to get ahead of the virus is to aggressively test, then follow up with appropriate contact tracing and quarantine.
"The deadly serious nature of this virus cannot be overstated. All Tasmanians must monitor their health, and the health of their loved ones and take immediate action to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms.
"The North West community is a resilient one and together we will get through this."
Rebecca White MP
Tasmanian Labor Leader
