Media release – Dr Mark Veitch, Director of Public Health, 5 February 2021
Patron numbers to increase for events
Operators of Tasmanian cinemas, concert venues and theatres, and outdoor arenas and stadiums, may now apply to increase the number of people attending events in these venues.
As part of the Framework for COVID-19 Safe Events and Activities in Tasmania introduced late last year, smaller cinemas, concert venues and theatres were permitted to increase patron numbers up to 75 per cent of the seating capacity of the indoor space, up to a maximum of 250 people. The new arrangements now allow for larger venues to apply to increase the number of patrons that may be present in their venues.
Operators of cinemas, concert venues and theatres may increase patron numbers to up to 75 per cent of the fixed seating capacity of their venues. If this exceeds 250 people and the density exceeds one person for every two square metres of space, people attending and staff must wear a facemask unless they are exempt.
For outdoor stadiums and arenas with outdoor fixed seating areas, the maximum number of people permitted in these areas can be up to 75 per cent of the fixed seats provided.
Importantly, everyone attending events must continue to keep 1.5 metres between themselves and others when they can.
People should not attend any event and stay at home if they have any cold or flu-like symptoms or are in quarantine or isolation. Anyone with symptoms, even mild, should contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to arrange a test.
Border restrictions for travel from WA
Tasmania’s border restrictions on people arriving from Western Australia have been eased from 6pm tonight (Friday, 5 February).
Border restrictions were imposed on 31 January in response to a case of COVID-19 in Perth. The person was infected with a more transmissible strain of coronavirus and had moved in the Perth community while infectious, and three regions were designated as high-risk by the Tasmanian Director of Public Health.
Extensive contact tracing and testing in Perth has so far not identified further cases among contacts of the case or people at locations visited by the case.
The following designations of regions in WA are now in effect:
· The Perth Region and Peel Region are designated as medium risk.
· The South West Region is designated as low risk.
Anyone arriving in Tasmania who has been anywhere in WA other than in the Perth Region or Peel Region can enter Tasmania without a requirement to quarantine.
Anyone arriving in Tasmania who has been in the Perth Region or Peel Region of WA in the previous 14 days may enter Tasmania but will be required to quarantine for 14 days in a suitable place, such as their home. If they cannot access a suitable place, they will be required to stay in government quarantine at their expense.
Anyone currently in quarantine in Tasmania because they were recently in the South West Region of WA may leave quarantine.
Anyone currently in government quarantine in Tasmania because they were recently in the Perth Region or Peel Region of WA may relocate to a suitable place to continue their quarantine, such as their home, if such a place is available to them.
People currently in quarantine at home because they have recently been in the Perth Region or Peel Region must continue their quarantine until they complete 14 days after arrival in Tasmania.
Public Health Services will review quarantine requirements following the results of ongoing surveillance for cases in WA on Monday 8 February.
If you have any cold or flu symptoms, even mild, contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to arrange a test.
Visit www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au for the latest Tasmanian information.
