Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Health, 18 May 2022

Another important step to living with COVID-19

From midnight this Friday, density restrictions will be removed from all settings and premises, meaning they will no longer be limited to 1 person per 2 square metres.

Capacity limits for all events and settings will also be removed, which means that from pubs and theatres to stadiums and festivals, there will be no limitations on the number of people that can attend.

This change is based on public health advice, and is another important step in our ongoing transition to living with COVID-19.

We have learnt from other jurisdictions and taken a gradual approach to removing restrictions, taking into consideration case numbers and any resulting pressures on our health system.

Although we continue to see some daily fluctuations, the seven-day average has been stable at about 1000 cases per day since the start of May – which has allowed us to take this important step towards a more normal way of living.

We will continue to look at further changes to restrictions in the weeks and months ahead, which as we’ve done from day one, will be based on public health advice.

However, I do want to remind Tasmanians that it’s everyone’s responsibility to continue to keep up your COVID safe behaviours.

Please continue to practice good hand hygiene, follow social distancing, test when you have symptoms, stay home when you are unwell, and wear masks where required in high-risk settings.

Additionally, when visiting a polling booth this weekend, please remember to be patient and wait your turn, as physical distancing requirements may mean voting takes longer than usual.

As I’ve said many times, the most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your family and the community is to roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated when you are due.

After coming down with COVID myself, I know how important vaccination is. Thanks to the effectiveness of vaccines, I experienced mild symptoms and have made a full recovery.

If you haven’t already, make a booking with one of the many providers across the state and get your booster, flu vaccine, or your second booster if eligible as soon as possible.

Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Health, 19 May 2022

Coronavirus Update

Tasmania has recorded 1,076 new cases overnight, with 1,125 people recovered and released from isolation in that time.

The total number of active cases currently stands at 6,316 and we now have more than 148,000 Tasmanians who have recovered from COVID-19.

There are currently 43 people in hospital with COVID and of these, 24 are being treated specifically for COVID. There are currently two people being cared for in the ICU.

Sadly, I can confirm two people have passed away. A male in his 80s has passed away in the North West of the State and a male in his 90s has passed away in the South of the State.

I extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the men who have sadly passed away.

As I said yesterday, the number of daily positive cases has stabilised over the last month after cases peaked in April.

Although we continue to see some daily fluctuations, the seven-day average has been consistently around 1,000 cases per day since the start of May, which is an encouraging sign.

The most important thing you can continue to do to protect yourself, your family and the community is to roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated when you are due.

If you haven’t already, make a booking with one of the many providers across the state and get your vaccination as soon as possible.

And continue following the 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.

For more information, visit www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au or call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.