With Covid case numbers in the last two days sitting over 1000, the TCCI and Liberal Senator Eric Abetz have recklessly called for the removal of mask protections, except in aged care.
When we asked the Premier to rule out caving to industry whims and political interest in Parliament today, he refused to do so.
What happened to Tasmania’s public health Premier? Well, it seems pretty clear – the unrelenting pressure from lobby groups and an upcoming Federal election.
40% of Tasmanians over 16 are not fully vaccinated with their booster, nor is any child under 12 – and the efficacy of vaccines drops fast. Yet Premier Gutwein looks set to continue to let Covid rip.
He’s already begun by removing mandated mask wearing – the single best simple protection against an airborne virus.
Vulnerable Tasmanians have no adequate protection to the risk of infection and disabling long Covid. Masks are one of the most important lines of defence.
It’s clear from their anti-mask calls the TCCI and Liberal Senator Eric Abetz don’t care about Tasmanians living with a disability, or those who are immunocompromised. At the very least, the Premier of Tasmania should.
