Another two Tasmanians die as state records over 1,000 new cases

Another two Tasmanians have died with Covid as the state’s death toll reaches a grim milestone and over 1,000 more daily infections are recorded. LATEST COVID UPDATE >>

Another two Tasmanians have died with Covid overnight as the state records another 1,125 new infections.

Premier and Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff confirmed that a man in his 80s died in the North West while a man in his 90s had passed away in the South.

“I extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the men who have sadly passed away.” he said.

The Premier said that following a peak of Covid cases in April, daily case numbers were beginning to stabilise.

“Although we continue to see some daily fluctuations, the seven-day average has been consistently around 1,000 cases per day since the start of May, which is an encouraging sign.”

A total of 43 people are in hospital with the virus, while only 24 patients are being specifically treated for Covid.

Two people are in the ICU.

A total of 154,431 Tasmanians have been infected with Covid since December 15 2021 while 69 residents have died with the virus since the beginning of the pandemic.

Spike in Covid cases as another Tasmanian dies

Tuesday, May 19

Tasmania has recorded a significant spike in Covid cases, with 1,216 people testing positive for the virus overnight.

The latest recording update detailed a 362 jump in daily infections compared to Monday and come as the state records another Covid-related death.

Premier and Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff confirmed that a man in his 80s had died in southern Tasmania while warning that more deaths could be expected.

“As I have said in recent weeks, we can, unfortunately, expect further deaths from COVID-19 as the occurrence and peak in COVID-19 deaths typically occurs up to a month after the peak in community cases,” said Mr Rockliff.

“This reflects the later peak in illness among older persons and the clinical course of severe illness due to COVID-19.”

There are a total of 40 people in hospital with Covid, with 17 of those patients being treated specifically for the virus.

One person remains in the ICU.

There are currently 6,244 active cases across the state.

A total of 152,192 Tasmanians have been infected with Covid since December 15 2021 while 66 residents have died with the virus since the beginning of the pandemic.

Independent MP cancels campaign appearance after diagnosis

Independent Member for Clark Andrew Wilkie has had to cancel an appearance at the Glenorchy pre-poll centre after testing positive to Covid this morning.

The MP was expected to discuss the federal election campaign and his prospects for polling day with voters, however is now at home isolating after returning a positive result on a Rapid Antigen Test.

“I feel fine and will continue to work from home during the isolation period.” Mr Wilkie said in a statement.

Independent member for Clark Andrew Wilkie out putting up his election campaign posters in Hobart to begin the campaign for re-election. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

It comes as the state records another 854 new cases and another person dies with the virus overnight.

Premier and Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff confirmed the woman in her 80s died at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

“The total number of active cases currently stands at 6,077 and we now have more than 144,000 Tasmanians who have recovered from COVID-19.” he said.

There are currently 44 people in hospital with Covid, although only 19 people are being treated specifically for the virus.

One person remains in the ICU.