State of Emergency to continue until end of August

Tasmania’s State of Emergency will stay in place to ensure the government can move quickly to react should the state be threatened by a second wave of coronavirus. RE-WATCH THE UPDATE >>

Premier Peter Gutwein listens to Director of Public Health Mark Veitch giving an update on new border measures with Victoria due to their COVID-19 outbreak on Wednesday, 8 July 2020. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

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TASMANIA’S State of Emergency will stay in place to ensure the government can move quickly to react should the state be threatened by a second wave of coronavirus.

Premier Peter Gutwein made clear that there is no emergency within the state, however due to the proximity of Victoria and its dire situation, the government’s emergency powers must remain in place.

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Premier Peter Gutwein gives an update on the coronavirus situation in Tasmania Thursday July 9th.

Posted by The Mercury Newspaper on Wednesday, 8 July 2020

“Tasmania does not have an emergency within the state’s boundaries at the moment, but what we do have, is we have the risk of one because of what’s happening in Victoria,” he said.

“While we have no evidence of coronavirus in the state it’s important we remain vigilant and do everything we can to reduce that risk.

“It’s important to point out the situation around the world isn’t getting better, it’s getting worse.”

Mr Gutwein said the State of Emergency was due to expire today, but will be extended until the end of August, aligning with the Public Health Emergency, which also expires then.

“I would have preferred never gone into an State of Emergency in the first place, I think all Tasmanians would have been of that view.”

“What we will do is utilise that framework we have under the State of Emergency act to ensure we can protect Tasmanians.”

For Tasmanians concerned about heading to the mainland for medical treatment, each case will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, Mr Gutwein said.

The Premier has also defended the State Government’s actions by not testing essential workers coming into the state, saying there is “very little value” in that kind of testing.

“In terms of the cycle this virus runs through, a test on a particular day doesn’t mean you are free and clear and that symptoms won’t emerge in coming days,” he said.

SEE THE LATEST AND WHAT THIS MEANS FOR HOLIDAY-MAKERS HERE.