A second wave of COVID-19 could be triggered over a ‘gap’ in quarantine requirements, expert says

An expert believes a loophole in Tasmanian quarantine rules could see the state inundated with a second wave. SEE THEIR GRIM PREDICTION >>

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THE person charged with co-ordinating the deep clean of Burnie’s North West Regional Hospital during the height of the pandemic says there is “a gap” in the state’s quarantine process which could trigger a second Tasmanian coronavirus wave.

The principal of a risk management firm, who wished to remain anonymous, has raised fears about Tasmania’s home quarantine measures which allow for arrivals into the state to mix with other household residents who are not required to isolate.

The consultant said their concerns about home isolation were magnified when a person known to them returned to Tasmania and quarantined at a home where an aged care worker was living.

“I see this as a massive risk. It’s a gap in the process and my concern is we’re going to have another outbreak like in the state’s North West,” they said.

TALKING POINT: HOME QUARANTINE A DISASTER IN WAITING

“I think there is too much assurance in the idea that once arrivals to the state are tested they won’t spread the virus.

“The lag time between arriving in the state and waiting 24-48 hours before test results come back is concerning. We are playing with fire.”

The COVID-19 outbreak in the state’s North West accounted for 12 of Tasmania’s 13 coronavirus deaths and the NWRH was closed for deep cleaning in April as the government worked to contain the situation.

An inquiry into the North West outbreak has opened with submissions closing at the end of the week.

The coordinator of the NWRH deep clean, who has provided disaster management advice to government departments, said Tasmania had achieved too much to see another outbreak occur.

“My concern is that if we did have another outbreak it would decimate the freedoms we’ve achieved. We now have our businesses surviving on the local economy so for that to be impacted would be devastating,” they said.

A state government spokeswoman said Tasmania had strict border restrictions and stringent quarantine arrangements, which have served the state well in its management of coronavirus.

“All decisions are based on Public Health advice,” the spokeswoman said.

“To be eligible to quarantine at home, Tasmanians must first meet stringent criteria including: that they are able to provide evidence of residency, are not symptomatic of COVID-19, have not spent time in high-risk areas specified as an ‘affected region’ or ‘affected premises’ in the 14 days prior to arrival in Tasmania

“Also, they must not have been overseas within 14 days of travelling to Tasmania, or disembarked from a cruise ship within 14 days of travelling to the state.”