Figures show almost 600 Tasmanians got Covid in hospital so far this year

The Greens and a health union are worried about the number of Tasmanians getting Covid in hospital. Read their concerns.

Covid 19 illustration

Almost 600 Tasmanians have contracted Covid while in hospital so far this year prompting a call for the wearing of masks in hospitals.

The Department of Health says hospitals are “well-experienced” in managing the risks of Covid and guidelines are regularly reviewed.

During recent Budget Estimates hearings Greens member for Hobart, Cassy O’Connor, quizzed health Minister Guy Barnett about the World Health Organisation confirming 18 months ago that Covid was an airborne virus and the wearing of masks in hospitals.

“No masks in the emergency department, for example, where people come in with Covid and staff are put at risk,” she said at the hearing

In answers to question on notice Mr Barnett provided figures showing that so far this year there have been 573 Covid cases acquired in Tasmanian hospitals compared with a total of 426 cases in 2023 and 636 in 2022 with none recorded in 2020 and 2021.

The figures showed that there had been 251 Covid cases acquired in hospitals in the North, 200 in the South and 122 in the North-West this year.

Covid vaccination photo

A health department spokesman urged Tasmanians to protect themselves and others by staying up to date with vaccinations and ruled our reinstating masks in hospitals.

“Tasmania’s public hospitals are now well-experienced in managing the risks of COVID-19, with learnings applied from previous years,” he said.

“All hospitals employ rigorous infection prevention and control protocols based on best-practice guidelines, which are regularly reviewed by experienced infection prevention and control teams.

“Ongoing infection prevention and control protocols include testing programs for staff and symptomatic patients, as well as effective procedures for managing patients who test positive.”

Health and Community Services Union secretary Robbie Moore said it was “alarming” that patients were contracting Covid in hospitals.

“Hospitals should be set up to protect the vulnerable, that’s why they are in hospital, and why infection control cleans are so very important,” he said.

“The experts should be reviewing the risks and hospitals should make sure they have enough

cleaners for proper infection control deep cleans.”

Greens disability services spokeswoman Cecily Rosol said the closures were a devastating blow to Tasmanians living with disability. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Greens health spokesperson Cecily Rosol said she was “concerned” to see the number of Covid infections acquired in hospitals “at these levels”.

“We understand many in the community are no longer worried about Covid, but it’s a serious matter when a virus like this is being transmitted in hospitals,” she said.

“We know Covid can have damaging effects for even the fittest and healthiest people, let alone those who may be vulnerable when recovering from another illness.

“There is more that can be done to prevent transmission in hospital settings – especially with the use of masks which are proven to reduce transmission.

“Given the number of cases acquired in hospital, action is clearly needed.”

The health department says the current levels of Covid infections do not warrant the mandatory use of surgical face masks in hospitals.

All adults are eligible for a Covid booster at least every 12 months, with people aged over 65 or who are severely immunocompromised, every six months.