Tasmania nears 100,000 cases since pandemic began

Covid case numbers have increased slightly upon the previous reporting period, while the total cases since the start of the pandemic nears 100,000.

There’s been a slight rise in Tasmania’s Covid cases upon the last figures reported, as Tasmania nears 100,000 cases since the pandemic began.

In the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday, 1725 new cases were confirmed.

Since the start of the pandemic there have been 96,610 recorded, with 12,752 currently active.

Hospital case have increased, with 18 being treated specifically for Covid and 22 being treated for unrelated medical conditions who have tested positive.

One person remains in the ICU.

Meanwhile the education department has revealed its Covid safe school plan for term two, with several measures to continue including face masks for secondary school students and teachers, unless they need to be removed for clear communication.

Primary school students may wear face masks if they choose but it’s not mandatory.

A free program where kids under four can get to know their school or family learning centres will recommence along with an online program for gifted students.

Schools will be supplied with additional air purifier units, which will continue to be used in classrooms.

Students and staff will only need to test when they have symptoms, and will be able to access RATs from their school.

Is it time for Tasmania to bring back mask mandates? - April 3

THE rate of new cases of Covid per capita in Tasmania is among the worst in the world, the Greens say.

An analysis by the Greens of new Covid cases in the seven days to March 31 showed if Tasmania was a country it would have the fourth highest rate in the world behind the Cook Islands, South Korea and Cyprus.

Greens Health spokeswoman and epidemiologist Dr Rosalie Woodruff is renewing calls for the government to reintroduce the wearing of masks.

However, Public Health deputy director Dr Julie Graham says while Tasmania is experiencing a rise in Covid cases, the number of people in hospital with Covid is low.

On Sunday, the state recorded 1683 new cases and there were 1840 new cases record on Saturday. There are more than 13,000 active a cases across the state.

According to Department of Health figures on Sunday, there were 31 people in hospital with Covid-19 and one in ICU.

Dr Woodruff said masks were effective in reducing the spread of Covid.

“When you compare Tasmania’s case rate per capita, it’s shocking,” she said.

“Tasmania is up with the worst in the world, which makes the likelihood of contracting Covid is significantly increased.

“We have thousands of people a day getting Covid, and in the context of our small population that’s massive.”

Dr Woodruff said schools, hospitals, services and all businesses were being impacted.

“Given the rapid spread, it’s scandalous the Liberals won’t reinstate mask protections as a requirement,” she said.

“Masks are very effective at reducing Covid transmission – that’s why Public Health have recommended their use.”

Dr Graham said the more transmissible BA2 variant had become the dominant strain of Covid in the State.

“Tasmania’s high rates of vaccination, however, are keeping the levels of hospitalisation and ICU admissions to one of the lowest in the country,” she said.

“Mask wearing is one component of a number of important public health measures which help to prevent the spread of Covid-19 infection.

“Staying home when you are unwell, being tested if you have symptoms, washing your hands, maintaining your distance from others and being vaccinated are all important to help limit the spread of Covid.”

“Although there is no longer a requirement to wear a face mask, wearing masks is still an effective and simple way to keep yourself and others safe.”

Dr Graham said wearing a mask was mandatory in Tasmanian hospitals, aged care facilities, on public transport and in child care centres.

Hospitalisations rise as Tassie records new Covid case high – April 2

A rise in the number of patients with Covid-19, coupled with the impact on staff, has forced an escalation of management plans at Royal Hobart Hospital and Launceston General.

State Health Commander Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said on Friday afternoon the two hospitals and associated facilities would escalate from level two to level three.

“This is as a result of the current level of Covid-positive inpatients across the two hospitals and the increasing level of Covid-related staff absences impacting general operations,” she said.

The escalation of the RHH and LGH to level three will include:

• Management and redeployment of staff to ensure core operations are maintained;
• Modifying elective surgery activity to ensure sufficient capacity for emergency surgery;
• Reconfiguration of wards to ensure accessibility for Covid-positive patients;
• Reviewing outpatient activity to ensure continuation of emergency and inpatient care.

The RHH has asked Tasmanians to strongly reconsider their need to attend the Emergency Department as their experience significant pressures due to Covid.

Visiting hours at both the RHH and LGH will remain unchanged.

There are now more than 13,000 Tasmanians who currently have Covid.

The latest figures from Public Health on Saturday showed there were 1840 new cases – down from the 2108 new cases on Friday.

However, the total number of active cases stands at a new high of 13,022.

One person is being treated in intensive care in hospital with.

Of the 36 people in hospital, only 14 are being treated specifically for Covid.

There have been 31 deaths from Covid since the pandemic started more than two years ago.