Covid hospitalisations double as Tassie records case spike

Two weeks after students returned to school, local Covid cases have recorded a spike as the number of people admitted into hospital with the virus also rise. LATEST COVID NEWS >>

Two weeks after Tasmanian students returned to the classroom, Covid-19 case numbers are back on the way up along with the number of people in hospital being specifically treated for virus symptoms.

The spike also came on the day the State opened its borders to flights from the mainland with international travellers on board.

Tasmania recorded 820 new Covid-19 cases overnight - up from 569 the day before.

Six infected people are in hospital because of their symptoms - up from three on Monday.

Two of those are receiving care in the ICU.

More than 40,200 Tasmanians have now had and recovered from the virus.

Another Tasmanian dies with Covid

Tasmania’s Covid death toll had risen to 24, after the death of a man in his sixties in the 24 hours to 8pm on Friday.

The man was being treated for pneumonia and passed away a day after testing positive to coronavirus.

Health minister Jeremy Rockliff said the virus was a contributing factor.

“The man was a palliating patient receiving care at home under a GP,” Mr Rockliff said.

“I would like to pass on my sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the man who has sadly passed away.”

The most recent death adds up to a total of 11 deaths since Tasmania’s border reopened on December 15.

In the latest reporting period, Tasmania recorded 585 new cases, with 3,562 active cases across the state.

People checking into Salamanca Market. Changes to Check In Tas app. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

12 people are in hospital with Covid, with seven of those being treated specifically for coronavirus and of these, 7 and five being treated for unrelated medical conditions.

Two people are currently in the ICU.

Tasmanians are being urged to get their booster vaccines, particularly before winter.

“If you’re due for your booster, please make a booking as soon as possible at either a state-run vaccination clinic, your local GP or pharmacy,” Mr Rockliff said.

52 per cent of Tasmanians over the age of 16 have had their booster and over 60 per cent of children aged five to eleven have had their first dose.

As of Friday at 6pm, Tasmanians were no longer required to check in to several locations.

Checking in via the CheckIn Tas app is still required at pubs, clubs, gaming rooms, casinos and major events.

Checking in is still required at Salamanca Market, which is considered a major event.