DAILY BLOG, April 12: Tasmania’s fifth coronavirus death was a woman from the north west coast

Eleven new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Tasmania. All of the new cases are in the state’s North-West, and eight are hospital workers. REPLAY THE LATEST UPDATE

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8pm: 11 NEW VIRUS CASES IN STATE’S NORTH-WEST

Eleven new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Tasmania this evening.

All of the new cases are in the state’s North-West, and eight are hospital workers.

In a brief statement, Acting Director of Public Health, Scott McKeown, said the new cases brought the state’s tally to 144.

He said one of the new cases was an inpatient, and two are are close contacts of previously confirmed cases.

Further details will be provided later.

The situation with coronavirus is changing regularly. People can stay up to date by visiting the Department of Health coronavirus website www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au or the Australian Government Department of Health website at www.health.gov.au.

6pm: HANGING GARDEN BID TO HELP OUT PRODUCERS

SINCE announcing its Dark Mofo cancellation, DarkLab has been busy dreaming up a new outdoor grocer for local producers.

The team behind the popular Winter Feast has created the Hanging Garden Green Grocer in its place, hoping to connect Tasmanian producers with locals in lockdown.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

5pm: HATS OFF TO FRONTLINE WORKERS

CRAFTY Tasmanians are coming to the aid of the state’s frontline healthcare workers, making scrub caps to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Hospital nurses have put out calls on social media in recent days, particularly on good karma networks and other community groups, asking if people with sewing skills could make hats for staff.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

3.45pm: IN an unprecedented move, the North West Regional Hospital and North West Private Hospital will close from tomorrow with patients to be transferred to other hospitals in the state.

Premier Peter Gutwein announced this afternoon the strict new restrictions for the North-West due to the outbreak of coronavirus in the region.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

3.30: WATCH THE LATEST UPDATE:

11.30am: POLICE CRACK DOWN ON CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS

MORE than 100 people have been charged or ordered to return home for breaching coronavirus restrictions around the state in the last 24 hours.

Tasmania Police said 17 people have been charged with failing to comply with a direction of the Director of Public Health after being apprehended for offences including breach of bail, drug offences, assault and burglary.

Another 12 have been summonsed to appear in court for failing to comply with the directions and 79 have been “provided with advice” or warned to return to their primary residence.

Commander Rob Blackwood said it was unacceptable for people to breach the restrictions given the seriousness of this health emergency

“Unless it is essential, you should not be away from your primary residence and police will

be speaking to you,” he said.

Police have conducted patrols and helicopter surveillance of dozens of popular Easter destinations to make sure people were complying with the restrictions.

A sweep of the state by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter on Saturday of popular camping and shack locations revealed only a handful of people disobeying orders to stay home.

A remote campsite detected by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter over the Easter long weekend. Picture: TASMANIA POLICE

“The helicopter crew located several campsites, and where possible, landed and

directed the campers to return home, Commander Blackwood said.

“Uniform police on the ground followed up campers where the helicopter could not land.

“Overall in these locations it appears most people are getting the message – particularly

in the remote locations where we would usually see it full of boats and campers.

At Kettering, police said just 34 vehicles travelled on the Bruny Island ferry and all

occupants were spoken to and found to be compliant.

Last Easter more than 600 vehicles travelled to the Island on Easter Saturday.

What you can and can’t do in Tasmania over Easter

11.15am: FIFTH CORONAVIRUS DEATH IN TASMANIA

A WOMAN in her 70s from the North-West is the latest Tasmanian to die from the coronavirus.

Premier Peter Gutwein announced this morning the state’s fifth death as he foreshadowed further restrictions for the north west coast to be detailed this afternoon.

There have now been 35 health care workers from the north west test positive for coronavirus as well as other close contacts.

Mr Gutwein said it was imperative the government take further steps.

“We are in the fight of our lives and that fight is on the north west coast,” he said.

“Things have to change. We need to get on top of this now and we need the community to work with us for the benefit of the entire state.”

Tasmania has the highest death rate for coronavirus in the country.

“We are an older and more vulnerable community than elsewhere in the country,” Mr Gutwein said.

“That is why I moved quickly on cruise ships and put in border controls before any other state or territory.”

Mr Gutwein said the death was “a tragic and stark reminder that this virus can be deadly”.

“It has taken lives, and it will take more lives yet.

“We must do absolutely everything we can to contain the spread of coronavirus, and we are taking unprecedented measures to do that.

“I again call on the community – every family, every person in Tasmania – to do the right thing. Please: stay home and save lives.”

A press conference will be held at 3.30 today to announce further details of the North West restrictions.

11am: WATCH THE DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE

Premier Peter Gutwein joins health professionals to update Tasmanians on the pandemic.

Tasmanian Government daily COVID-19 update 12/4/20

Posted by The Mercury Newspaper on Saturday, 11 April 2020