Public Health says hugging between healthy people is allowed

UPDATED: Public Health has declared it’s not the “hugging police” as many Tasmanians look forward to catching up with their loved ones for the first time in months. Read the expert advice >>

AT THE height of the coronavirus pandemic, Tasmanians were urged to stay away from their loved ones.

But as the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state continues to fall, Public Health has declared it’s not the “hugging police”.

READ MORE: Restrictions could be eased early

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch speaks at the daily COVID-19 briefing. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Director Dr Mark Veitch said while common sense was key, wanting a warm embrace was understandable during these tough times.

“Coronavirus infection has taken a terrible toll on people emotionally,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s any one of us who probably hasn’t felt upset at times when thinking about what’s been restricted by this.

“I would expect when someone who is healthy sees a healthy relative they haven’t seen for a long time, they may well hug them.”

READ MORE: Details of ‘high-powered’ recovery team meeting revealed

Margate mother Siri Bjorhusdal said the “healing energy” of hugs should not be underestimated.

“Social contact and hugs, they are really powerful and full of love,’’ she said.

“People really need that contact, that reassurance, that recognition amongst the emotional spectrum of the human being.

“It’s a natural response to crisis, actually.”

Siri Bjorhusdal with two of her three children Sahindra, 16 and Tilgia, 12. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Dr Veitch said he understood Public Health directions could be “kind of blunt”, but said adjustments had been made to make them "entirely reasonable”.

“Public Health are very much aware that we need to be humane and use common sense,” he said.

Dr Veitch said small groups of people who know each and behave responsibly with physical distancing were at low risk of catching the virus.

Premier Peter Gutwein agreed that using common sense was the best way to protect yourself and others.

He said he had not visited his mother since early February because he did not want to expose her to any unnecessary risks.

“I’ve spoken to her on a number of occasions, and I would dearly love to visit but she is, by virtue of her age, in the high-risk group,” Mr Gutwein said.

“I will be very, very careful. I’ve stood at this podium on too many occasions and provided my condolences on behalf of the Government to the families of those people that have lost their lives.”