Tasmania appears to have had a lucky escape from potential COVID transmission after a person returning from interstate provided false information about their accommodation.
A source has revealed that on Thursday 17 June, a resident of a central Hobart hostel returned from a COVID level 2 high risk area in Melbourne to their shared accommodation. Police state that on completing the G2G Pass, the individual did not disclose that there were shared facilities at the accommodation.
The Tasmanian Department of Health advises that travellers entering Tasmania from level 2 areas must quarantine at a suitable premise. Tasmania Public Health defines a suitable premise as a private residence or short term accommodation where the traveller is the sole occupant and does not share facilities.
Tasmania Police were notified on Friday 18 June that the premise was unsuitable for isolation and attended the location. Hostel staff confirmed to the authorities that the location was not suitable, with living circumstances being very communal. Bathrooms, kitchens and living areas are shared by approximately 119 guests, 40 of which are long term.
Tasmania Police state the individual was removed to complete their isolation in a government quarantine facility, but have not confirmed when this took place.
Our source alleges this removal did not take place for 2-3 days, despite the obvious danger posed by a person from a level 2 high risk area. They state that in this time the individual continued to live amongst the other residents of the hostel.
Tasmania Police state that the individual had limited movements while in Tasmania and claims they did not interact with others while isolating at the hostel. The source alleges that the individual did interact with others during this time period.
The traveller has since returned a negative COVID test.
By Heidi Heck, edited by Izak Van De Velde and Tasmanian Times.
