A patient at the RHH has been diagnosed with coronavirus

As the state’s second case of coronavirus is confirmed, Tasmania’s aged care sector knuckles down on how it can protect some of the community’s most vulnerable. UPDATED.

A SECOND case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Tasmania, this time in Hobart.

Acting Director of Public Health, Scott McKeown, said late Saturday afternoon that the patient had been admitted to the Royal Hobart Hospital.

No further details were known yet about the patient.

This brings the number of confirmed cases in the state to two, after a 40-year-old man tested positive in Launceston on Monday.

Earlier, the organisation which represents the majority of Tasmanian aged care homes spoke of how providers were bracing for the risks of coronavirus.

Aged and Community Services Australia said the threat posed by the virus was being taken seriously within the sector because the elderly were particularly vulnerable.

It comes as the State Government announced new measures to assist tourism operators and businesses affected by a downturn due to coronavirus.

Acting Director of Public Health Dr Scott McKeown. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The Government said it would convene a roundtable for industry peak bodies to share information and challenges, and discuss options to support recovery from the impacts of coronavirus.

Meanwhile, ACSA chief executive Patricia Sparrow said Tasmanian aged care homes were preparing like they would for a winter flu season.

Ms Sparrow said infection control measures at individual homes were being reviewed and staff training being refreshed to ensure risks were being managed.

Many providers had introduced processes to screen visitors, including some who were using no-contact thermometers.

She said it was important that people realised they should avoid visiting if they were unwell.

“Aged care providers are fully aware that they need to be prepared and they know what the risks are,’’ she said.

“I think that providers are as prepared as they can be, but it’s a rapidly changing situation and it’s something we don’t have vaccines for.

“We know and our members know that older people are more susceptible and that’s why we’re taking it very seriously, and the providers are getting as prepared as they can be.

“We are taking advice from health authorities to make sure residents and staff are as safe as they can be.”

Ms Sparrow attended a forum in Canberra on Friday with about 70 stakeholders, including Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck and Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said constructive conversations were being had at a federal level to prepare for potential impacts on aged care homes.

“Obviously the Federal Government has responsibility for regulation of those aged care facilities however as a State Government we stand ready to be able to work with aged care facilities,’’ she said.

“We know as we embark on the winter, these aged care facilities already have sophisticated winter flu plans and so a lot of those facilities are bolstering those plans to be able to deal with coronavirus.

“But this is an area we need to focus on because we do know there’s a vulnerability for older people across Australia and this is why it’s receiving such attention in Canberra.”

Health minister Sarah Courtney gives an update on the Government's coronavirus response at the mobile coronavirus assessment clinic at Launceston. Picture: PATRICK GEE

As part of the new State Government initiatives for Tasmanian businesses, a hotline will also be established for those affected to call if they are being impacted by current travel restrictions.

It comes after state tourism ministers met in Canberra on Friday for a crisis meeting to discuss the economic impact and steps that can be taken to mitigate the fallout, including a new advertising campaign.

Tasmanian Liberal Senator and Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism, Jonathon Duniam, said work was underway on targeted assistance to help small businesses and save jobs.

Tasmanian Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Tasmania has two confirmed cases of a coronavirus, a 40-year-old man who tested positive on Monday and remains in a stable condition at the Launceston General Hospital.

More than 80 tests have been completed in the state for coronavirus, as the health department continues to monitor close contacts of the man for any symptoms.

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Anyone who was on flight VA-1368 from Melbourne to Launceston on Saturday, February 29 and who is feeling unwell should phone the public health hotline on 1800 671 738.

People who have been in mainland China, Iran or South Korea who are feeling unwell must self-isolate for 14 days after leaving those countries.

This means they must not attend public places including work, childcare, school or other educational settings.

The advice for self-isolation also applies to those who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus.

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If you think you may have COVID-19 from recent travel or contact with a confirmed case, call the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for advice.