What you can and can’t do in Tasmania over Easter

Experts have warned weeks of slowing the spread of coronavirus could be undone if people flout the rules. Here’s what you can and can’t do in Tasmania over the four-day Easter long weekend.

TASMANIANS risk undoing weeks of progress in containing the coronavirus if people flout orders to stay at home over Easter.

On Wednesday, the number of cases in the state climbed above 100, with authorities very concerned about a growing cluster in the North West that has struck down both hospital workers and patients.

WHAT IS OPEN AROUND TASMANIA THIS EASTER LONG WEEKEND

Other cases have been linked to stricken cruise ships and returned overseas travellers.

Social distancing and hygiene measures have begun to reduce the national COVID-19 infection rate, but Tasmania is still regularly recording new cases each day and has tragically recorded three deaths.

Bond University genomics and molecular biology associate expert Lotti Tajouri said the virus was not going to be taking a break over Easter, so people should not break from the rules.

“It might trigger another peak if people decide to go out on their boat or go to the beach,” he said.

“The issue is people want to go back to their old habits, but right now we need to sacrifice for the health of ourselves and others.”

Dr Tajouri said an asymptomatic “super spreader” could unknowingly spread the virus to people in public areas, or to older family members if they socialised over the holidays.

Coronavirus germs can stay alive on metal and plastic surfaces for days, meaning a public barbecue or toilet could infect dozens of people if infected.

Those people could then infect their families, causing a new spike in infections.

Michelle Gatton, a Public Health and Social Work professor, said going out for a drive or out on a boat might seem safe, but it was the surrounding activities – buying bait, fuel or food, or using public facilities – that increased the risk of exposure.

“It’s about the things they have to do to make going out happen,” she said.

“Filling your car or boat up, getting ice, getting bait, grabbing a coffee or some food, using a public barbecue or toilets – these all pose risks to getting COVID-19.

“If someone who has coronavirus, even if they don’t know it, touches that surface, then you touch it, you could be infected.

“Then you could infect your family and anyone else who touches it over the course of the Easter weekend could do the same.

“We risk undoing all the good work we’ve done.”

Premier Peter Gutwein said staying at home over Easter was a small price for people to pay given the devastating consequences already seen from coronavirus in the state.

“I have been fair, I have been reasonable, and I have taken every step and every precaution that we can to save lives. But we will only save lives if Tasmanians follow the rules,’’ Mr Gutwein said.

“We still have Tasmanians that are flaunting the rules.

“For the thousands of businesses that have been shut down, the tens of thousands of Tasmanians that have lost their jobs, I ask Tasmanians to do the right thing — stay at home and save lives.”

Frequently Asked Questions: What you can and can’t do this Easter

Q. Can I go to church on Easter Sunday?

No. Churches will not be allowed to open to the public. But some will be broadcasting services over the internet. Some services will be broadcast at themercury.com.au. Check with your local congregation.

Q: Can we have a big family Easter lunch?

You cannot have more than two outside visitors come to a house at a time.

Q: Can I go out over Easter if I maintain social distancing?

A: No. The only reasons you can leave your home is to get food or medicine, exercise, essential work, or care for someone. Leisure is not a valid reason to leave the house.

Q: If I live by the beach can I go swimming or surfing?

Yes, but only if the beach is open. Many beaches have been closed as they are in national park areas.

Q: Can I go to my shack?

No, you will not be able to go to your shack for school holidays, Easter or at any other time, unless to conduct urgent maintenance or repairs or a day trip security check. If you are living at your shack as your temporary primary residence be aware that you are not permitted to move between your shack and another home location.

Q: Can I exercise outdoors?

Yes, but the two person rule applies outdoors, except where members of your household are exercising together, or members of a custody or guardianship arrangement are exercising together. Use common sense while exercising outdoors. Keep at least 1.5m from others and make sensible choices about where you go.

Q: Can I go boating and fishing?

Yes, but the two-person rule applies except if you are going boating with persons that you reside with. You can only launch a boat from within the municipality of your primary residence and you must maintain social distancing (at least 1.5 metres) unless supervision of children or similar needs that may require closer contact.

Q: Can I go hunting?

Yes, but you must adhere to restrictions regarding travel, physical distancing, residing at your primary place of residence and gatherings. This means you may only go hunting with one other person (except for members of your household or members of a custody or guardianship arrangement). You should consider whether hunting is essential and whether personal exercise can be obtained from alternative activities.

Q: Can I play golf?

Yes, as long as you abide by the two person rule and observe social distancing.

Q: Are police enforcing these rules?

Police are enforcing COVID-19 restrictions. Fines of up to $16,800 or up to six months in prison can apply for those found guilty of blatant breaches of the rules.

Q: What types of medical care can I access?

You can leave your home for medical appointments. You can still donate blood, so long as you are well and meet the usual requirements to be a blood donor. If you require urgent medical assistance, call triple-0 (000). Hospital emergency departments remain open, including at the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie as authorities manage an outbreak of coronavirus there.

Q: Should I be going to work?

Where possible, you should continue to undertake your employment at your home. If it is not possible for you to work from home, you may continue to attend your workplace as normal, travelling via your usual methods, including public transport.

Q: Should grandparents be looking after grandchildren?

Tasmania’s elderly population is at a higher-risk. Steps should be taken to protect elderly grandparents from any unwell children. If you have alternative care arrangements it would be a good idea to use those.

Q: Can I visit my loved ones in aged care homes?

No. Visits to aged care homes were banned this week. Families have been encouraged to stay connected with loved ones through platforms such as Skype and FaceTime. Exceptions to this rule will be made for compassionate or end of life reasons.

Q: Can I visit a family member or friend in hospital?

No. Restrictions were introduced this week which prevent hospital visits unless in the event of a partner attending the birth of a child, a parent visiting a dependent sick child, or for compassionate or end of life reasons.

Q: Can I take my pet to the vet?

You can continue to take your pet to the vet when required for the wellbeing of your pet.

Q: Can I use public transport?

Yes, to attend school or work, obtain supplies or attend medical appointments. Observe social distancing when on public transport and sit in the back seat of taxis and ride share vehicles.

Q: Can I go horse riding/exercise my horse(s)?

The Tasmanian Government is not imposing a ban on floating horses to exercise in local areas but the two person rule applies to this activity, except if it is members of your household exercising together.

Q: Can I receive learner driver lessons?

Yes, but if you are supervising a learner driver, you must adhere to the rules, only drive within your municipality, and only stop if you are getting essential supplies. If you do not have an essential reason to stop anywhere, you should not exit the vehicle while out and about.

Q: Can my partner (who lives separately to me) continue to visit and stay overnight?

This is permitted to continue if you are providing essential support to your partner, however, all parties must exercise common sense and a strong degree of caution.

If you are concerned that a fellow Tasmanian is not complying with self-isolation or gathering restrictions, you can call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 or you can report it online.