Daily case numbers have hovered around 600 during the past week

The pace of Tasmania’s winter Covid wave is slowing but the public is urged to remain vigilant. LATEST FIGURES >>

AS Tasmania’s winter wave of Covid-19 cases begins to ease, health authorities are urging the public to maintain the now-familiar Covid-safe behaviours.

After weeks of daily cases of 1000 or more, daily case numbers have hovered around 600 during the past week.

Thursday’s state government case update said there had been 661 cases reported and one death.

There were 3741 active cases in the state on Thursday, 21 people in hospital being treated specifically for Covid and three people in ICU.

Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said numbers of new Covid cases in Tasmanian had declined since late July 2022.

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch during the Covid update at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

“This change reflects a reduction in community transmission across the state. The numbers of hospitalised cases and outbreaks have also declined,” Dr Veitch said.

“The reduction in case numbers does not mean the risk of getting Covid-19 is over. Covid-19 is still present and being transmitted in all regions of Tasmania.

“It is important that we all recognise the level of risk of in Tasmania, our personal and organisational risks from Covid-19, and act to keep ourselves and others safer.”

Dr Veitch said further waves and increased case numbers were expected in the future.

“Now, and when cases increase, the best protection against complications of Covid-19, including hospitalisation and death, is to be up to date with your Covid-19 vaccinations. The older you are, the greater your risk of complications, and the more important it is that you get your booster and fourth doses.”

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Picture: Chris Kidd

Dr Veitch said Tasmanians most at risk of complications from Covid could be eligible for treatment with antivirals.

“There are now medications known as antivirals that are available for people at higher risk of severe disease. If you are eligible, you will need to get antivirals quickly after testing positive for Covid-19. Taken as soon as possible, antivirals reduce the risk of complications of Covid-19. People at higher risk talk should with their healthcare provider to have a plan in place to access testing, and treatment if they test positive,” he said.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff speaks to the media at a Covid briefing at the Executive Building in Hobart on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said mask-wearing was still recommended in all indoor public places and on public transport.

“Masks must still be worn in all our public hospitals. If you have symptoms, stay home and get tested,” Mr Rockliff said.