Travellers urged to stay vigilant as mainland COVID-19 cases rise

Recent travellers to Tasmania are being warned to stay vigilant and aware of the mainland’s high-risk areas as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. LATEST >>

• Tassie travel restrictions could tighten at any time

RECENT travellers to Tasmania are being warned to stay vigilant and aware of the mainland’s high-risk areas as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

On Sunday, 11 new coronavirus cases were announced for New South Wales and three in Victoria.

This brings Australia’s active COVID-19 cases to an estimated 273.

Tasmania’s Public Health director Mark Veitch said further cases had been identified in Victoria as part of an outbreak linked to the Smile Buffalo Thai restaurant at Black Rock.

“So far, all cases either ate at the restaurant on December 21 or were direct or indirect contacts of cases who ate there,” he said.

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch addresses the media during the Tasmanian Government COVID-19 update. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

“In response to this, Tasmania has designated certain premises in Victoria as high risk premises.”

Dr Veitch said anyone who was at these high-risk premises at specified dates and times will not be allowed to enter the state for at least 14 after their last time at the location, unless approved by the deputy State Controller.

“It should be noted that these people are already subject to mandatory quarantine in Victoria,” he said.

Other high risk areas in Victoria include the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, the Holy Family Parish at Doveton, Village Century City at Glen Waverley and Woodlands Golf Club at Mordialloc.

People in Tasmania who have visited Victoria since December 20 need to check the list of high-risk areas daily.

“If you have been at any of the Victorian sites at the specified dates and times, contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for further advice,” Dr Veitch said.

In New South Wales, the Northern Beaches local government area continues to be classed as a high-risk location and the Greater Sydney region and Wollongong local government areas remain classed as medium-risk locations, with people who have been in these locations 14 days prior to arriving in Tasmania required to quarantine.

“Please remember if you have any symptoms, even if they are mild, contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to arrange a test,” Dr Veitch said.

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Originally published as Travellers urged to stay vigilant as mainland COVID-19 cases rise