Tasmania’s health chief warns of vigilance despite 100 days without a COVID-19 case diagnosed

As every day passes without a case of coronavirus in Tasmania, it is natural to feel reassured by the safety of our state. But unfortunately, we still have to be vigilant, writes Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch.

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AS EVERY day passes without a case of coronavirus in Tasmania, it is natural to feel reassured by the safety of our state.

Unfortunately, in a world with a peaking pandemic, we are still at risk.

As we reach 100 days without a case being confirmed, it is timely to remind Tasmanians to remain vigilant.

Tasmanians can justly be congratulated for their collective efforts in adopting behaviours and

following public health measures that prevent spreading a disease such as coronavirus. Remarkably this year, they have also kept us almost free of influenza.

Director of public health Dr Mark Veitch addresses the media during the Government COVID-19 update. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Everyone in our state has been affected by coronavirus, from our health care workers in the North West on the front line of dealing with an outbreak earlier this year, to all of us who have had to adjust our work, school and social lives.

At Public Health Services we are mindful of the challenges that Tasmanians face every day in

complying with these measures. We understand that our response to coronavirus has challenged and affected businesses and our communities.

But we know from interstate experiences how quickly and harmfully coronavirus can spread in

populations that mix closely, frequently and in large numbers, and how difficult outbreaks can be to control.

We trust that widespread vaccination will eventually protect a large proportion of the population from serious illness and reduce person-to-person spread. This is called ‘herd immunity’.

Until then – which will be many months way – we must maintain measures to contain spread and prevent outbreaks, as part of a ‘new normal’.

We have these measures in place not because we have cases now, but because it is likely that

sometime between now and herd immunity there will be an unsuspected case of coronavirus in Tasmania.

It is like preparing for bushfires, where we must have measures in place that limit spread before the bushfire season. Once it’s started it may be too late.

Physical distancing, hand hygiene, and covering coughs and sneezes are all measures we must make part of our lives.

Testing is critically important. It is the only way to find cases who need to be isolated and have their contacts traced and quarantined. Without this surveillance, coronavirus will get away. Anyone who has cold or flu symptoms, even very mild, should get tested by phoning the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

Let’s work together to keep on top of COVID-19 even as the ‘days since last case’ number grows.