Coronavirus: Man with COVID-19 visits supermarket after quarantine request

A man with coronavirus visited a Tasmanian supermarket to gather supplies after being asked to self-isolate.

Launceston Woolworths. Picture: Supplied

A man with coronavirus spent 15 minutes in a Tasmanian supermarket after being asked to self-quarantine, forcing authorities to review help for people entering self-isolation.

It is understood a 40-year-old man recently arrived from Iran was tested over the weekend and advised to self-quarantine while awaiting the result, which came back as positive on Monday.

On Sunday night, however, apparently to stock up for his isolation, he visited a Launceston Woolworths.

“The risk to anyone who was in the supermarket at that time is very low,” said Tasmanian Director of Public Health Mark Veitch. “However, it is appropriate to fully inform staff and customers who were there.

“We do not anticipate any infections arising from this, but anyone who was at this supermarket around that time on Sunday night and becomes unwell in the next two weeks should contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

“People who subsequently shopped at Woolworths are at no risk, and people can continue to confidently shop at this supermarket. Public Health Services has contacted the supermarket’s management to pass information to staff who were working at the time.”

Authorities were considering better support for people self-quarantining, so that they did not feel they had to visit the shops themselves.

“The man visited the supermarket after being provided with relevant information about the requirements of being in self-quarantine, as per the normal process for such cases,” Dr Veitch said.

“I am confident that all public health processes were followed appropriately, and it is disappointing that the man did not follow the self-quarantine requirements.

“Public Health Services is reviewing the processes for ensuring people in self-quarantine are enabled to fulfil the requirements.”

Dr Veitch said the man was at the Woolworths, on the corner of Wellington and York streets in Launceston, from about 10pm to 10.15pm on Sunday, March 1.

This information had come to light “as a result of detailed investigation” by Public Health Services.

In Sydney on Wednesday, AMA presdient Tony Bartone said being told to self-isolate “means exactly that”.

“It means to isolate yourself immediately — not go on a detour of the local supermarket or foodstore first — but to isolate yourself straight away.” Dr Bartone said.

Woolworths said it was contacting staff members who worked at the relevant time on Sunday night and providing “the appropriate support and guidance”.

“Any customers in our Launceston city store at this time should follow the government's advice,” a Woolworths spokeswoman said.

“We have a detailed cleaning program in our stores every day and are taking all actions required.

“As per Tasmanian public health advice, customers and team members should be assured they can continue to shop at our supermarket with confidence.”