Over a dozen people given false Covid results in Tassie lab error

Peter Gutwein made a hasty exit out of parliament this afternoon after being identified as a close contact. LATEST >>

PREMIER Peter Gutwein has had to leave parliament after being declared a close contact of a family member who has tested positive to Covid-19.

Mr Gutwein is one of a number of MPs who are absent from Parliament as case numbers soar.

Independent MP Kristie Johnston and MLC Ruth Forrest have both contracted Covid and Green member Rosalie woodruff and Labor’s Janie Finlay because they were close contacts of an infected person.

Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Gutwein left parliament at lunchtime today and will be in isolation for a week.

“A short time ago I was informed that a family member has tested positive to COVID-19,” he said.

“I have just confirmed with Public Health that in line with current public health requirements, I have been classified as a close contact.

“I have taken a RAT which was negative, and I am now returning home to isolate for seven days, along with other members of my family.

“I will continue to work from home and perform the duties of Premier.

“The Deputy Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, will undertake those duties and responsibilities that I would normally perform as Premier during Question Time and for matters before the Parliament.”

Over a dozen people given false Covid results in Tassie lab error

The Royal Hobart Hospital labatory had notified a small number of people that they didn’t have Covid when they had in fact tested positive following a results error on Tuesday night.

State Health Commander Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said during the processing of yesterday’s batch of Covid PCR tests incorrect results were texted to 19 people, however the error was detected and corrected within two to three hours.

Breaking News Breaking News The Royal Hobart Hospital and the Hedberg Building. Picture Eddie Safarik

“On behalf of the Department of Health, I apologise for the error and for any inconvenience caused to the recipients of the incorrect results.” said Ms Morgan-Wicks.

The state government said the RHH Laboratory is implementing system improvements to prevent another process erorr from happening.

The state recorded another 1979 new cases today with 10,053 active infections currently across Tasmania.

Hospitalisations have jumped from 25 to 32 people in one day, however only 13 patients are being treated specifically for Covid.

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Minister Michael Ferguson said an 82-year-old woman from the North West Coast died with the virus.

“That is very sad and tragic for that family and our thoughts and prayers remain for them. I don’t have further detail on the specifics of that lady’s case and our thoughts are certainly with that family.” said Mr Ferguson.

There are now 10,106 active cases as daily infections across the state continue to rise.

Despite an increase in hospitalisations from 24 to 25 people, only 10 are being specifically treated for the virus while there is no one in intensive care.

71,353 Tasmanians have caught Covid and 28 have died with the virus since March 2020.