Peter Gutwein,Premier
The health and safety of Tasmanians remains our top priority and as we continue to draw closer to reopening on December 15, our message to Tasmanians remains – get vaccinated.
Vaccination remains the best safeguard we have against COVID-19, and our vaccination program continues to proceed well, with more than 88 per cent of Tasmanians over 16 years now having received one dose, and around 74 per cent fully vaccinated.
This is testament to every Tasmanian who has rolled up their sleeve, and we remain on track to achieve our higher vaccination goal of 90 per cent before our borders open.
As we approach the 31 October deadline for health workers to demonstrate evidence of vaccination, I urge all health workers to get the protection they need for themselves, those they care for, and their friends and family.
I can also confirm we will be mandating vaccinations for disability sector workers, with an order to be put in place next week.
This will mean those who work in that sector will need to demonstrate evidence of at least a first dose vaccination by Saturday the 21st of November, which will mean they can receive their second dose and be fully protected by the time our borders reopen.
ATAGI has also this week approved the COVID-19 booster vaccination, with approval for the use of a single booster dose for those who completed their primary COVID-19 vaccine course more than 6 months ago.
Boosters will start in Tasmania the week commencing the 8th of November, and will initially include – but not be limited to – the groups who were prioritised in the rollout of the vaccine program from early 2021, such as those at higher-risk of developing severe COVID-19, and those at increased occupational risk of COVID-19.
Protecting ourselves, our loved ones and vulnerable Tasmanians is our absolute priority and the vaccine helps to do that, so I urge anyone who hasn’t yet rolled up their sleeve to make an appointment as soon as possible and get vaccinated.
