Peter Gutwein, Premier, 30 July 2020
Update on restrictions
From tomorrow morning, 31 July, we will introduce, on the advice from public health, mandatory testing on arrival of all essential travellers from Victoria or determined hot-spots, such as those outlined by the NSW Government.
In regards to freight and logistics operators, Tasmania will adopt an approach consistent with the Draft National Protocol for Domestic Border Control- Freight Management.
This means that freight and logistics operators will need to undergo a test on arrival unless they have evidence of having had a COVID-19 test not less than seven days prior to their arrival in Tasmania
Essential travellers from Victoria or hot spots are unlikely to be granted exemptions to travel to Tasmania unless there are exceptional circumstances for example medical treatment or industry critical circumstances.
These additional measures will assist in mitigating risk.
From Friday 31 July (if you travel by air), or Saturday morning, 1 August (if you travel by sea), all non-Tasmanian and Tasmanian residents who are required to stay in mandatory government–designated hotel quarantine, will do so at their own expense, except in cases of extreme hardship.
This will be $2,800 per person, with a reduced per-person rate for couples and families.
Currently, all non-essential travellers arriving in Tasmania are required to enter quarantine.
The new requirement will apply to all non-essential travellers arriving in Tasmania who are required to undertake 14 days quarantine in the government provided accommodation.
People who are already undertaking 14 days quarantine in Government-appointed accommodation prior to 31 July will not be required to pay.
Tasmanian residents with an exemption to undertake quarantine at their private residence are not affected by the change.
Following National Cabinet tomorrow I will provide a COVID-19 update.
Media release – Launceston Police, 30 July 2020
COVID ALLEGED BREACH – LAUNCESTON
A 59 year old Penguin woman has been charged with failing to comply with the lawful requirement or direction of an emergency management worker as a result of two incidents in Launceston today.
The woman returned to Tasmania on the Spirit after travelling in country Victoria today. She was transported to Launceston by bus where she allegedly caused a number of issues before being placed into mandatory quarantine at the Best Western Hotel, Launceston.
Shortly after 11am, police were called to the Best Western Hotel after the woman had allegedly become abusive and aggressive and was refusing to stay in her room. Police gave her advice in relation to quarantine and left shortly after.
Just after 2pm police were again called to the Best Western in relation to the same woman. She was allegedly again refusing to stay in her room, being disruptive and throwing food. Police gave the woman a formal direction to quarantine however, she continued to refuse.
The woman was arrested for and charged with ‘Fail to comply with the lawful requirement or direction of an emergency anagement worker’ and has been detained to appear in an out of hours court session in the Launceston Magistrates Court at 8pm tonight.
