Premier flags easing of COVID-19 restrictions in state recovery plan

Premier Peter Gutwein has revealed COVID-19 restrictions could soon be eased – with the use of four safeguards.

PREMIER Peter Gutwein has promised a “light at the end of the tunnel”, foreshadowing the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the announcement of a multi-pronged economic recovery plan.

Mr Gutwein livestreamed a short speech to the Tasmanian public via Facebook in which he said restrictions would be eased “when we safely can” – with the use of four safeguards.

ONLY ONE NEW CASE OF COVID-19 DIAGNOSED

“Those safeguards will be more testing, more tracing, and enhanced rapid-response capabilities, and COVID-safe workplace, public space and meeting place plans,” he said.

Mr Gutwein, who will reveal more details about the plan when Parliament resumes on Thursday, said a “power of work” would be needed to rebuild Tasmania’s economy when restrictions started lifting.

He added how the state’s economy works would be “considerably different to the recent past”, noting “there will be challenges ahead”.

The government’s plan for utilising the “right expertises and processes” would also be revealed further in parliament, the Premier said.

“No-one has a mortgage on good ideas and we want to harness the collective ideas and capacities of the Tasmanian community to help us rebuild,” he said.

Thanking the state’s health care workers and essential workers, he asked the community to “please keep doing the right thing”.