Tasmania records 49th Covid-related death and 1,213 new cases

The Greens health spokeswoman has slammed changes to Tasmania’s close contact rules as the state records over 1,000 new daily infections. HAVE YOUR SAY + LATEST UPDATES >>

Thursday, April 28 update: Tasmania has recorded another 1,202 new daily Covid cases after it was announced close contact rules and the Check In Tas app would officially be scrapped on Monday.

There are a total of 1,202 active cases across the state with 40 people in hospital with the virus.

Only 18 patients are being treated specificially for Covid with one person in intensive care.

The state has recorded at total 133,496 cases and 49 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

EXPLAINED: Major changes to close contact Covid rules

CLOSE contact rules for Covid-19 will ease from next week, bringing Tasmania into line with most other states, Premier Jeremy Rockliff says.

From 12.01am on Monday, Tasmanians who are close contacts will no longer need to quarantine for seven days.

“Close contacts will still be required to follow a series of measures and anyone who experiences Covid-19 symptoms will still be required to isolate and get tested immediately,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Close contacts must take a daily rapid antigen test, wear a face mask when outside the home and in indoor spaces, ­advise their workplace of their close contact status and avoid high-risk premises such as aged care facilities and ­hospitals.”

Rocky's flu shot.

Close contacts will also be recommended to work from home where possible and avoid large gatherings and contact with Tasmanians vulnerable to the virus.

The Check-In Tas app, considered vital at the height of the pandemic, will be officially retired at the same time.

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey said the changes reflected the views of major industries across the state.

“At yesterday’s Tasmanian Industry Summit, it was agreed that Covid-19 has led to extraordinary restrictions on individuals and businesses and that these restrictions have ­impacted on many businesses by reducing potential revenue and increasing costs,” Mr Bailey said.

“The state government should be commended for changing the close contact requirements and commended for continuing to work closely with the Tasmanian business community throughout the pandemic.”

Breaking News Breaking News The Royal Hobart Hospital and the Hedberg Building. Picture Eddie Safarik

The rule changes come as the state recorded another Covid-related death, bringing Tasmania’s death toll to 49.

Mr Rockliff said a 75-year-old woman died at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

“I extend my sincere condolences to the woman’s family, friends and loved ones at this extremely difficult time,” he said.

“We are continuing to see day-to-day fluctuations in case numbers but, overall, cases have been trending downwards across the last seven days compared to the peak seen earlier this month.”

Greens MP Rosalie Woodruff on Parliament Lawns.

The state recorded another 1213 new cases overnight on Tuesday and there are 6544 active infections in Tasmania.

Forty people are in hospital with the virus, but only 14 ­patients are being treated specifically for Covid.

One person remains in intensive care.

“Our hospitalisations remain among the lowest in the nation, and we expect to see the number of people in hospital for Covid decline over the next few weeks,” Mr Rockliff said.

Greens health spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said removing the state’s remaining restrictions was irresponsible.

“Case numbers are still extremely high – and most critically, Tasmanians are still dying and developing long Covid,” Dr Woodruff said.

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