Tasmania bans cruise ships from docking to allay virus fears

Public concern over cruise ship passengers disembarking in Tasmania has prompted the government to issue a ban on them docking here – two days after Burnie hosted passengers from its sixth ship in a fortnight.

The Coronavirus (COVID - 19) has heavily disrupted the cruise ship industry. Pictured is the MSC Magnifica (berthed) while the Sea Princess prepares to dock. Passengers aboard the Magnifica are not allowed to disembark. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

NO more cruise ships will be allowed to dock in Tasmania until the end of June as the State Government steps up measures to protect Tasmanians from coronavirus as the number of confirmed cases climbs to six.

Premier Peter Gutwein said TasPorts had been told that after a small liner stops in Hobart today to refuel and stock up on provisions, no more cruise ships will be allowed to dock in Burnie, Hobart or Port Arthur.

The ban comes after Burnie was inundated with thousands of passengers from six ships which docked in the port over a busy fortnight.

A cruise ship which docked in Hobart on Saturday advised passengers to stay on board but some disembarked in fear they would be stuck on the liner indefinitely.

“While the cruise ship industry brings in $30 million of activity into the economy each year we could be faced with a situation where 2500 passengers want to disembark in Hobart and then decide they do not want to get back on a cruise ship,” Mr Gutwein said.

Mr Gutwein said flights into Tasmania would not be banned but the number of international passengers arriving from other places could be stemmed.

“We are looking at a range of measures including mandatory quarantine,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Australian border control already assesses those arriving in Australia on international flights.”

Mr Gutwein said if Tasmania declared a state emergency then broader local border powers would be considered.

The Spirit of Tasmania is regarded as a form of public transport between Melbourne and Devonport but more robust screening measures are being considered.

“We are an island within an island so we can take unique measures. I have spoken to tourism representatives Luke Martin from the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania and Steve Old from the Tasmanian Hospital Association and they are good Tasmanians. These measures will have an impact on the industry but they are supportive,” Mr Gutwein said.

Mr Gutwein said there was no advice from health authorities at this time to close Tasmanians schools.

Independent Member for Clark, Madeleine Ogilvie wants the government to toughen Tasmania’s border controls immediately.

“Like New Zealand we have the advantage of being an island with no land borders, it’s time for us to follow their lead, before it’s too late,” Ms Ogilvie said.

“Further, with the Federal Government progressively tightening international travel controls, surely it makes sense to tighten our own entry points.”

Greens Health spokesman and epidemiologist, Rosalie Woodruff has also called on Premier Peter Gutwein to impose a 14-day self-isolation period for all people who enter Tasmania by sea or air.

Dr Woodruff also wants Tasmanians to be advised to avoid all non-essential interstate or overseas travel, to practice social distancing measures and plan for the closure of schools and other educational institutions.

“Given the daily increases in COVID-19 internationally, across Australia and in Tasmania, the government must immediately introduce a range of restrictions around social distancing and the movement of people into the state,” Dr Woodruff said.

“We have the precious advantage of time to give us the best chance of people being able to receive lifesaving treatment when they need it.”

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