Tasmania’s coronavirus count climbs to 16 after the health department confirmed a further five cases

Five more Tasmanian coronavirus cases have been confirmed, bringing the state’s total to 16.

FIVE more Tasmanian coronavirus cases have been confirmed, bringing the state’s total to 16.

Tasmanian Public Health Director Mark Veitch on Saturday evening confirmed the further five cases of coronavirus infection diagnosed in Tasmania.

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The cases comprise of one woman and two men who were on the Ruby Princess cruise, and a woman and a man who recently travelled together in Europe.

It brings the total number of cases diagnosed in Tasmania to 16.

Another Tasmanian woman was diagnosed on Friday in Sydney after disembarking the Ruby Princess cruise ship there on Thursday.

She remains in Sydney and is being managed by NSW Health.

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Dr Veitch said contact tracing of all the recent cases was underway.

Mark Veitch. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

“Persons who are identified as close contacts will be required to remain in quarantine for 14 days after contact with the case — this will include persons who were seated near cases on flights when cases may have been infectious,” he said.

“Because of the emerging evidence of coronavirus infections among Ruby Princess passengers, both NSW Health and the Tasmanian Department of Health have contacted the 54 Tasmanian residents who were on the cruise.

“Assessment and testing for coronavirus is being arranged for those with symptoms. All passengers and be required to remain in quarantine for 14 days after return to Tasmania.”

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