Minister in self-isolation, more severe measures en route

Tens of thousands of Tasmanians lost their jobs on Monday due to the coronavirus response and further strict measures to protect public health are on their way, Premier Peter Gutwein says.

TENS of thousands of Tasmanians lost their jobs on Monday due to the coronavirus response and further strict measures to protect public health are on their way, Premier Peter Gutwein says.

A grim-faced Premier urged the public to heed measures urged by health officials — and said police were prepared to enforce the law requiring people to self-isolate, including Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing Jane Howlett.

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Ms Howlett entered self-isolation after her chief of staff was potentially exposed to a coronavirus case.

“Yesterday was a hard day for many Tasmanians,” he said.

“Tens of thousands of Tasmanians lost their job yesterday. The measures that we are taking are severe because we want to protect people’s health, their wellbeing and their safety.

“It is important that everybody understands that this is not a game. This is very serious. This is a matter of life and death.

“Yesterday was stage one. The next stage will be even more severe measures. I want to be clear that those many measures are being contemplated – moving to a hard lockdown is being contemplated.”

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Authorities announced six new cases in the state overnight — five cruise ship passengers and one overseas traveller.

The state has had 28 confirmed COVID-19 cases: 17 picked up during overseas travel and 11 aboard ships.

The Premier also revealed:

* Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing Jane Howlett has entered self-isolation after her chief of staff was potentially exposed to a coronavirus case;

* Stricter measures, including a “hard lockdown” are being contemplated for Tasmania;

* Police and Biosecurity Tasmana were preparing to enforce compliance with public health isolation orders and other measures announced to slow the spread of the virus;

* Tasmanian residents and essential personnel only were being allowed on board the Spirit of Tasmania ferries, with all other would-be passengers being turned away.

Mr Gutwein said he was distressed at the loss of so many jobs in a single day.

“I’ve spent the better part of my public life trying to build a strong economy, working with you to create those jobs,” he said.

“It breaks my heart to have had to take the steps which we took yesterday. And to all of you that have lost your jobs, I am so very very sorry, for those businesses that have been impacted.

“To all other Tasmanians don’t let those sacrifices go. Let’s make them mean something. . Abide by the rules, take the appropriate steps. If you’re being asked to self isolate so isolate and don’t break the rules.

“I believe the vast majority of Tasmanians are doing the right thing when asked to self-isolate, but there are examples being brought forward where people are flaunting the rules.

“I want to say again: stop deliberately putting people’s lives at risk abide by the rules abide by self isolation.

“There are penalties, and we will apply them.”