Peter Gutwein,Premier
Peter Gutwein,
Following discussions with the Federal Government, I am pleased to confirm PCR tests required for entry for those coming to Tasmania from high-risk destinations can be conducted in State-run clinics in those states, at no cost to the traveller.
The costs will be jointly met by the State and Federal Governments, in accordance with National partnership arrangements, with the pre-testing required for incoming travellers from 15 December for up to four weeks.
There is ample capacity within our State testing clinics to cater for Tasmanians looking to travel out of the State to jurisdictions that require a pre-travel test and in terms of the irrelevant claims from the opposition that our clinics will be swamped by interstate travellers to Tasmania, that will not occur as they will need to get their test in their own jurisdiction prior to their travel to our State.
This is good news for our tourism industry and local businesses and removes a potential barrier to travel, both for those wanting to come home to visit family and friends, or for those wanting to come and experience what our State has to offer.
We know that COVID-19 has presented many challenges right throughout the pandemic, and we will continue to keep businesses and the community updated on further developments as we draw closer to reopening on December 15.
