Hobart’s second coronavirus case confirmed

A second case of coronavirus in Hobart – and the third in Tasmania – has been confirmed by the state’s health department.

A THIRD case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Tasmania, but the circumstances of how the patient contracted the virus are unknown.

Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said on Wednesday night that Public Health Services had been notified of the case in Hobart.

“The patient has been admitted to the Royal Hobart Hospital,’’ he said.

“A further update will be issued as soon as more details are confirmed.”

No other details have yet been released about the patient or where they contracted the virus.

HOBART CORONAVIRUS PATIENT BACKED BY CULTURAL GROUP

It comes after a 20-year-old Hobart man was diagnosed on Saturday amid revelations he ignored the advice of health authorities and failed to self-isolate while waiting for his results.

The man had travelled to Tasmania from Nepal via Singapore and Sydney.

Instead of staying away from public places after he was tested, the man partied at two popular Hobart night spots, went to work at the Hotel Grand Chancellor as a waiter, and visited the Australian Ideal College campus where he is a student.

The man’s actions prompted a strong response from authorities, who labelled them “unacceptable” and said they were considering tough legal powers to fine people who failed to obey the advice.

Premier Peter Gutwein said there are financial penalties up to about $8500 for those who did not comply with the directions of medical authorities.

Another man, aged 40, was diagnosed in Launceston last week, in what was the first confirmed case recorded in Tasmania.

He had travelled to the state from Iran via Malaysia and Melbourne, and went shopping for groceries at a Launceston supermarket while infected.

[e-mail]