Rosalie Woodruff MP | Greens Health spokesperson
Given the grave situation in Victoria, the extension of the State of Emergency is warranted. The decision to extend the emergency declaration to match Victoria’s lockdown restrictions is understandable, and pragmatic.
The situation in Victoria is distressing, and our hearts go out to our cousins across Bass Strait.
The border restrictions for Victorians are needed, but we know these will also impact upon many Tasmanians, such as those with family and friends in Victoria, as well as Tasmanians returning home and going into quarantine hotels. These are hard decisions, taken to put people’s lives and health first.
Through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, the expert advice of epidemiologists has driven decisions. We expect the Premier’s announcement about border restrictions tomorrow will also be guided by public health advice.
Although we have the advantage of being an island state, this doesn’t mean Tasmanians should let their guard down.
No functioning border restrictions can be perfect, and there will continue to be the risk of a second wave until there is a vaccine. We urge people to be vigilant – wash your hands, stay physically distanced and, if you have any symptoms, get tested.