Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader
The soaring hospitalisations rate reported in the latest Covid-19 data is yet more evidence that the Government’s reckless approach to this deadly virus is putting Tasmanians at risk.
We now have 72 people in hospital with Covid-19, up from 53 just yesterday – a jump of 35%. The number of active cases has also continued to significantly increase.
As indicated by international and interstate evidence, Tasmania is very likely entering a new wave of infection with new mutations of the virus. But rather than take steps to mitigate and control the spread of COVID-19, the government has appallingly decided to give up entirely.
81 Tasmanians have already died since the politically-driven decision to open the state’s borders on 15 December.
With the Government’s current ‘let it rip’ approach, it is tragically inevitable that this number will continue to grow all too quickly.
There are a range of simple, common-sense strategies like masks and ventilation that we should be using to slow the spread of coronavirus. Instead, Premier Rockliff is leaving Tasmanians – especially those who are immunocompromised or with disability – high and dry, and putting them at a hugely increased risk.
How many more lives need to be lost before the Premier admits his Government has got this wrong, and finally starts listening to the international evidence and independent experts on Covid-19?