Chamber of Commerce calls time on masks outside aged care and end to isolation rules

Tasmanian business owners say it is time to get rid of face mask restrictions in almost all settings, density limits and isolation rules. WHAT THEY WANT + HAVE YOUR SAY >>

TASMANIA’S peak business body says it is time to scrap more Covid-19 restrictions as the state learns to live with the virus.

TCCI CEO, Michael Bailey has written to Premier Peter Gutwein urging the government to wind back mask wearing, outside aged care homes, density restrictions and isolation rules.

Mask wearing rules have been wound back in some settings but the chamber wants them gone for everywhere except aged care facilities and for all check-in requirements to be shelved.

“With Tasmania’s borders now open and the return of international visitors to Australia, the TCCI believes that we are now well and truly in the “living with Covid” stage,” Mr Bailey said.

New data reveals that over 10 percent of Tasmanians had now been infected with the virus since the beginning of the pandemic.

The state recorded 1051 new cases overnight Tuesday to take the infection rate to 51,245 people who have reported a positive result to the Department of Health since March, 2020.

“Tasmania still has in place many restrictions that limit trade, add additional business costs, and make it challenging to maintain staffing levels,” Mr Bailey said.

TCCI CEO Michael Bailey speaks to the media on Parliament Lawns in Hobart.

He said there was “no purpose” in maintaining the current settings for check-ins at pubs, clubs, casinos and major events.

He also said strict density restrictions were limiting a hospitality business’ capacity to generate revenue but there was no corresponding reduction in costs.

“Other jurisdictions are now reducing the isolation requirements for people confirmed with COVID-19 and for those defined as close contacts. Current restrictions make it very challenging to maintain staffing levels within some businesses and this has broader economic impacts,” Mr Bailey said.

The chamber also wants Covid-19 safe business plans - which include costly cleaning and staff movement rules - to go.

Government spokesperson Jessica Whiteley said Check-in Tas was still being used by Public Health on occasions where there was evidence of a significant transmission event. “There have been occasions in recent weeks where Public Health has sent messages to people who have attended large social events,” she said.

Murray Street, Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

“We have taken public health advice at every step during the pandemic, and our staged approach to the removal of mask requirements for retail customers is another important marker in our transition to living with Covid-19 wiith the lowest risk (i.e. customers who are indoors generally for short periods of time) being removed first.

“Additionally, from 5pm this Friday 11 March, masks will no longer be mandatory for patrons in seated restaurants and cafes, large outdoor events of more than 1000 and offices and workplaces, with businesses to refer to their own Covid-19-safe plans and business continuity plans.”

“These changes are more confirmation that Tasmania is returning to normal, and Tasmanians continue to do a fantastic job as we transition to living with Covid-19.”