Horse racing and garage sales banned in new restrictions

Premier Peter Gutwein has announced further restrictions to take the fight up against the spread of coronavirus. See the list of new banned activities.

HORSE and greyhound racing, mobile food vans and garage sales have been banned as part of an extension of government restrictions.

The new restrictions — aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus — were announced by Premier Peter Gutwein this afternoon.

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ADF personnel being briefed before conducting compliance checks around Hobart. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

The Premier said he was trying to balance health, economic and personal liberties.

Horse racing and greyhound racing has been banned immediately, including Friday night’s greyhound meeting planned for Elwick.

The ban will be in place for at least four weeks, he said, although training facilities will remain open.

An empty Salamanca Square during the coronavirus lockdown. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

TAB and UBET stores will be closed, garage sales have been banned, and sex workers will have to cease trade.

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The recreational scallop season, which was due to open this weekend, has been cancelled for the year.

Mr Gutwein said farmers markets could continue to operate for the purpose of fresh food or produce only.

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Posted by The Mercury Newspaper on Wednesday, 1 April 2020

And he foreshadowed further restrictions on retail trade may come out of tomorrow’s national cabinet meeting.

“I want to say to Tasmanians that I take no pleasure at all in forcing businesses to close or industries not to operate or telling Tasmanians what they can or cannot do,” Mr Gutweins said.

“These announcements today will impact thousands of more Tasmanians and our economy, unfortunately, will take another blow. But again, and I want to stress this, we are in the battle of our lives. If we continue to take these steps, if we continue to work together, if we continue to abide by the rules, then we will all get through this.”

Premier Peter Gutwein. Daily Tasmanian Government coronavirus update Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Tasmanians are already subject to a range of restrictions including a ban on gatherings of more than two people, except under certain conditions, and a ban on leaving the home except for those going to work, school, to get essential supplies or to assist neighbours or relatives.

Many businesses have been ordered to close and travellers entering the state are being placed in mandatory 14-day quarantine in government-run facilities.