Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Health spokesperson
Given the daily increases in COVID-19 internationally, across Australia and in Tasmania, the State Government must immediately introduce a range of restrictions shown to slow the viral spread, to protect vulnerable people and health workers from an escalating outbreak in Tasmania.
These should include:
- requiring a 14 day self-isolation period for all people who enter Tasmania by sea or air, with prescribed exemptions for certain trade
- advising Tasmanians to avoid all non-essential travel interstate or overseas
- planning for the potential closure of schools and other educational institutions
- advising all Tasmanians to practice social distancing measures
The Greens commend the Premier for banning cruise ship arrivals in Tasmanian ports. This is the kind of decision-making required to keep people safe.
We need to put the health of people who would become severely ill first, and reduce the impact on our already stretched hospital system.
The government must do everything it can to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community and lessen the pressure on hospitals down the track.
Tasmania is in the fortunate position, like New Zealand - who have declared similar restrictions - of having a small number of COVID-19 cases and no apparent community transmission yet.
We have the precious advantage of time to give us the best chance of people being able to receive life-saving treatment when they need it. The Premier needs to act promptly before this disease and its impacts are out of our control.