Premier’s daily update to cover off on new border restrictions, $100 travel voucher

Premier Peter Gutwein said the border closures are to continue to protect Tasmanians, bolster the health system and serve to an “anxious” and ageing community. REWATCH THE UPDATE >>

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THE public’s perception of COVID-19 risk in the statebolstering the health system are the key reasons for keeping Tasmania’s borders closed.

Premier Peter Gutwein and Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch fronted media this afternoon saying serving an “anxious” and ageing community were part of the reasoning for continuing border restrictions until at least December 1.

Mr Gutwein blamed Victoria’s outbreak and “uncontrolled community transmission”, first and foremost for the extended closure.

>> SURVEY: HAVE YOUR SAY ON TASMANIA BORDER CLOSURES

“The nature of that advice, as a result and range of factors, is our borders should remain under restrictions and closed until the first of December,” he said.

Alongside the outbreak Mr Gutwein has also said the state’s health system, while ready and resourced, may suffer undue stress if hit with a Victoria-like outbreak.

“The extra time frame has also provided us with an opportunity for our health system to be further improved,” he said.

Mr Gutwein said Tasmanians, especially residents are “anxious” about further outbreaks, as well as the older community, noting the state’s ageing population.

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch said foremost in the mind of the government is protecting Tasmanians and allaying fears of community transmission.

“The situation we have achieved so far in Tasmania, (is) of not being under constant threat of coronavirus in Tasmania.

“We have always taken a cautious way all the way along.

“It’s now time to try and get on to a steady path, and watch closely before we make our next major move.

REWATCH THE DAILY UPDATE >>

“Public health considerations are one of the important health aspects around decisions about our borders.

“There are a number of other considerations that were relevant … firstly, it’s clear that the border measures we’ve had in place and the quarantine measures we’ve had around Tasmania have been very effective.”

“Secondly, it’s important we have a health system that’s well prepared.”

Dr Veitch focused on assuaging fears in the Tasmanian public, saying it was “tremendously important”.

“If people understand the level of risk, that there is some risk, and it is controllable on their part,” he said.

EARLIER: PREMIER Peter Gutwein and the state’s emergency and health leaders are expected to answer questions today about Tasmania’s extended border closures.

Mr Gutwein sensationally announced the December 1 border date yesterday, with no prior warning to media or the Opposition.

However in parliament earlier today, he back-pedalled, saying the borders may open sooner based on Public Health advice.

Tasmanian tourism and hospitality leaders slammed the government’s latest border lockout, saying December 1 must be an “essential deadline” for the state to return to normal, if operators are to survive.

Today, he and Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch are expected to answer questions as to why the borders will be closed for so long, and the reasoning behind this.

It is understood the team will also further explain the $1.9 million fruit picking and harvesting package, designed to keep Tasmanians in jobs throughout the pandemic, as well as the $100 ‘Make Yourself at Home’ travel voucher.

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