Health and temperature checks rolled out at Tasmanian ports to protect state from COVID-19

Arrivals into Tasmania’s air and sea ports now have to undergo a raft of checks as part of measures to protect from coronavirus, and the State Government says the new process is here to stay.

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A NEW screening process for travellers arriving at Tasmanian ports will be the new normal as long as the threat of coronavirus looms, the State Government says.

From Monday, all arrivals at Tasmania’s air and sea ports are being checked for symptoms of coronavirus, including having their temperature taken.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the new arrangements helped to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 coming into the state.

Part of the process can be completed online in the hour before travel to potentially ensure a quicker passage through the port of arrival.

She said anyone with symptoms would be requested to undergo a test for COVID-19 and directed to quarantine.

Ms Courtney said the state’s current border restrictions — that require non-essential travellers to quarantine for 14 days in hotels or at their home — meant the risk of coronavirus spreading in Tasmania was low.

But she said the implementation of the new safeguards would further protect the health and safety of Tasmanians.

“This is one more level of security for Tasmanians,’’ she said.

Ms Courtney said the new screening process was here to stay.

“That’s my expectation,’’ she said.

“We want to make sure that we’re implementing measures to keep Tasmanians safe and we know that while we do have quarantine provisions at the moment — we’re working towards our borders being reopened at the beginning of December — and so having these extra provisions will help keep Tasmanians safe.”

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