Tasmania will not be let off restrictions like the rest of the country

Tasmania is standing firm on its approach to easing coronavirus restrictions, with the Premier saying tough measures will stop the virus in its tracks. Find out how much longer restrictions will be in place.

TASMANIA is standing firm on its approach to easing coronavirus restrictions, saying tough measures to stop the virus in its tracks will remain for at least two more weeks.

It comes despite Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing Australians had “earned an early mark” from nationwide restrictions, with a date to review them brought forward by a week.

But Premier Peter Gutwein said the state would be cautious when making decisions on when Tasmanians could start to return to some semblance of normal life.

No new cases were recorded in the state yesterday.

“We will continue to review our state restrictions up until 15 May and beyond,” he said.

“However, we have an older and more vulnerable population and that will always guide our actions and response.”

Tasmanians are subject to a range of restrictions, including a ban on gatherings of more than two people, a ban on leaving the home except for those going to work, school, to get essential supplies or to assist neighbours or relatives.

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Playgrounds are also closed, horse and greyhound racing meetings have been halted, garage sales are banned and sex workers cannot trade.

Mr Gutwein said the state would not follow the lead of other states who are moving earlier to ease restrictions — and has previously said he would not make a “knee-jerk reaction” which could set the state back.

He also warned there would be a level of social distancing in place statewide until a vaccine for the deadly virus was available.

But even tougher restrictions placed on the state’s coronavirus epicentre are set to be lifted on Monday, as authorities deem an outbreak in the North-West is “under control”.

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch said he had advised the State Government that the restrictions could be wound back to the levels imposed in the rest of the state.

“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,” he said.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the outbreak, which had claimed 12 lives in the North-West, was now “largely under control” so the extra restrictions imposed on April 12 could be removed. Big-box retailers, clothing and whitegoods stores, hairdressers, bookstores and tobacconists are the kind of businesses allowed to reopen in the region.