Labor call for mandatory testing as footballers may jump queue into state

Incoming AFL teams may not be subject to quarantine or COVID-19 testing, as Labor clamours for mandatory testing for all Victorians entering Tasmania. LATEST >>

• Police reveal details on racism complaints
• Tasmania joins mission to save AFL season
• Lawyers of murder accused duo ‘snowed under’
• Property price ‘booms’ expected after two projects

ANXIETY is rampant in the community with Tasmanians calling for all arrivals from Victoria to be tested for COVID-19, Labor claims.

This comes as Victoria today tallied another 275 cases and it was announced Hobart is scheduled to host up to four AFL games in the next two months.

We don’t want anyone from interstate avoiding quarantine. This match should be boycotted.

— Winsor Dobbin (@winsordobbin) July 20, 2020

The North Melbourne Roos, who have been quarantined in the Queensland AFL hub, are slated for up to four matches across a three-week block at Blundstone Arena beginning August, and it is understood they will not be subject to quarantine or testing when they arrive.

Labor leader Rebecca White said there was a level of anxiety in the Tasmanian community, and it continued to grow as the mainland situation worsens.

Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. Ben Brown of the Kangaroos. Pic: Michael Klein

“It will be mandatory from this week for Victorians to wear masks while outside their homes undertaking essential activities,” Ms White said.

“If it’s good enough for the government in that state to take steps to protect people from potentially infectious Victorians, it should be good enough for the Tasmanian government too.

“We’ve already seen governments in South Australia and Western Australia act to protect their citizens, by requiring everyone arriving from Victoria to have a COVID-19 test.”

North Melbourne will most likely hub in Hobart, with its opponents to fly in, fly out, it is understood, and social distancing measures for the matches at Blundstone Arena may be lifted so it can hold up to half its capacity – around 8000 punters.

Labor leader Rebecca White said mandatory testing for all incoming travellers is simple and would ease the anxiety felt among the public. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“There is no logical argument the Tasmanian government can make for why they are not implementing (mandatory testing),” Ms White said.

“It’s a quick and simple test that would provide an additional layer of protection for the Tasmanian community.”

Yet the Tasmanian Government refuses a young woman an exemption to attend her sisters funeral. Tells you everything about what our Government values. Brutal & stark. I will personally boycott (i encourage others to do same) any & all of these AFL matches on that basis. #politas https://t.co/MpD5CNkTj0

— Rick Pilkington (@Rickpilk) July 20, 2020

The State Government banned Victorians from entering the state two weeks ago, stipulating anyone who had spent time in the state in the 14 days previous would be turned back, unless they were Tasmanian.

Interstate travellers from the rest of the country will be allowed to travel through Melbourne, before landing in Tasmania when border restrictions are lifted.

However there are exceptions for anyone granted essential traveller status who had spent time in Victoria.