Parents charged to be responsible as children flout regulations

Children should be at home learning, not disregarding lockdown laws, Premier Peter Gutwein has warned as school attendance drops to 10 per cent.

TASMANIANS must not become complacent about coronavirus precautions despite a fall in the number of new infections, Premier Peter Gutwein has warned.

The state recorded no new cases of the virus overnight from 200 tests, although 58 people remain in self-isolation or hospital from 69 positive tests.

Two people – both elderly cruise ship passengers – have died.

Tasmania’s three major hospitals have been divided into “hot” and “cold” areas to separate COVID-19 cases from others as they prepare to deal with more patients.

“If this were a game of football, we are not even through the first quarter yet … and we cannot afford to be complacent,” he said.

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“We are in battle of our lives and we need to take every precaution to take every step, and importantly, stay home and follow the rules and take your family, keep yourself, keep you community safe.

Strict measures are in place limiting public and private gatherings to two and people have been ordered to stay at home except under a limited number of circumstance or face the risk of arrest or large fines.

“I don’t think any Tasmanian should be surprised if they’re stopped by police and asked what they’re up to, there are strict rules in place,” Mr Gutwein said.

The government is preparing orders to protect renters from eviction for the next 90 days, to allow councils to meet online instead of in person, to ease Good Friday trading rules and to defer some fees and charges for business. But he warned people not to take advantage of the situation.

“If you can pay your rent, you should. That is a very clear expectation, this bill will not provide you with support if financial hardship is not being felt,” he said.

Small business minister Sarah Courtney said 5000 Tasmanian small business had applied for grants of up to $2,500, 3800 have been approved and 3350 paid, Ms Courtney said.

The aim, the Premier said, was to help businesses “hibernate or to trade on”.

Mr Gutwein told parents they needed to ensure their children were properly supervised if not attending school.

“Monday this week we only had about 10 per cent of our students attending our schools,” he said.

“There have been reports of children at shopping centres, in groups, this is not on.

“Follow the rules, ensure that if your children are at home that they are supervised, you know what they are doing and most importantly they are engaged with their learning.”