Jeremy Rockliff,Premier
Minister for Health
From 12:01am Monday 2 May, Tasmanians who are classified as close contacts will no longer need to quarantine for seven days, provided they comply with other Public Health measures.
This is in line with the national position in other states, public health advice, and the current epidemiological position in Tasmania, with a downward trend in cases confirming we have passed the peak of our recent COVID wave.
While these changes will be confronting for some, they are another important step in our ongoing transition to live with COVID-19 and I want to assure Tasmanians that we will be doing this safely, sensibly and in line with public health advice.
Close contacts will still be required to follow a series of measures and anyone who experiences COVID-19 symptoms will still be required to isolate and get tested immediately.
Close contacts must take a daily rapid antigen test, wear a face mask when outside of the home, advise their workplace of their close contact status, and avoid high-risk premises such as aged care facilities and hospitals.
Workplaces can assess the appropriateness of close contacts working from home but close contacts should avoid large gatherings, and avoid contact with those vulnerable to severe disease.
Furthermore, it will no longer be a requirement to use the Check-in TAS app at hospitality venues, although some venues may still choose to maintain their own check-in processes.
The reason we are able to take these steps, and return to a more normal way of living, is thanks to the fantastic efforts of Tasmanians to roll the sleeves up and get vaccinated.
However, while it’s encouraging to see 69 per cent of people aged 16+ and 84 per cent of people aged 50+ have had their booster, there are still more than 130,000 people who haven’t yet had a booster.
The most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and the community is turn up and get vaccinated when you are due, so please, if you haven’t already, make a booking and get your vaccination as soon as possible.
And with the colder months nearly upon us, don’t forget to get your flu vaccine as well, which you can get from GPs and pharmacies, particularly those with younger children who have not experienced a flu season.
We also continue to encourage people to be mindful that COVID continues to circulate within the community, and that it is all our responsibility to continue following COVID-safe behaviours.
Practice good hand hygiene, follow social distancing, test when you have symptoms, stay home when you are unwell, and wear masks where required to do so.
