Strict North-West coronavirus restrictions to be lifted as outbreak deemed ‘under control’

Tough additional restrictions enforced in the North-West three weeks ago are set to be lifted as the deadly coronavirus outbreak in the region is now considered “under control”.

BIG-BOX retailers and schools will reopen in Tasmania’s coronavirus epicentre on Monday as extra restrictions placed on the region are lifted now an outbreak has been deemed “under control.”

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Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch said he had provided advice to the State Government that the restrictions could be wound back to the levels imposed in the North and South of Tasmania.

“There’s been a lot of testing done in the North-West … and that testing has not identified any cases of infection that we haven’t got a good explanation for or a link to earlier cases,” he said.

“We are not finding unsuspected cases, so that’s very reassuring.

“The community there is not at risk.”

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch during the daily coronavirus update. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Premier Peter Gutwein said the outbreak, which has claimed 12 lives in the North-West, was now “largely under control”, so the extra restrictions imposed on April 12 could be removed.

“On Monday, businesses and services can reopen and staff can return to work,” Mr Gutwein said.

“We are only lifting the additional restrictions placed on the North-West.

“It’s important to note, these changes will bring the North-West in line with the rest of Tasmania. This means restrictions on personal movement and the operation of certain businesses will still apply.”

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Big-box retailers, clothing and whitegoods stores, hairdressers, bookstores, tobacconists are the kind of businesses allowed to reopen in the North-West.

“I would like to thank all those retailers and their employees who have been forced to close for the past three weeks for their understanding and sacrifice, Mr Gutwein said.

He warned if there was another spike in infection numbers in the North-West, the extra restrictions could be reactivated.

“We have that lever available to us if the health of Tasmanians is compromised,” he said.

Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Of the 888 presentations at clinics in Tasmania on Thursday, 562 were in the Burnie and Devonport areas and 77 in Circular Head in the far North-West.

Business North West president Ian Jones said he was pleased the extra safety measures would be lifted on May 4.

“Retail businesses that were required to close when the additional North-West restrictions came into force three weeks ago, but were previously operating under the previous statewide restrictions, will now be allowed to reopen,” Mr Jones said.

“All retailers reopening should ensure they have strict social distancing and hygiene rules in place, including adhering to the one person per four square metres of aisle-space rule.

“I would like to thank all those retailers and their employees who have been forced to close for the past three weeks for their understanding and sacrifice.”