Patience urged with long-awaited reopening of Tasmania’s borders
Tasmania Police has launched new SMS compliance checks ahead of Tasmania’s border reopening to COVID-safe states today, as Public Health ramp up measures at the airport. WHAT YOU NEED TO DO >>
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MORE than seven months after Tasmania slammed the door closed to the mainland, travellers from some states are being welcomed back with open arms.
Since March, travellers have been required to quarantine for two weeks when entering the state, however those entering from low-risk jurisdictions will be free to move about the state upon arrival.
Low-risk jurisdictions include Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory, and New Zealand.
People arriving from these areas will complete the Tas e-Travel registration system, with travellers from medium and high-risk areas still required to complete a G2G PASS.
Health Minister Sarah Courtney urged those travelling to have patience as they move through the processes.
“Obviously here at the border we have regulations around temperature testing, we have health checks, and we have got staff here on standby to make sure people that are coming in are complying with the regulations they need to when they come into Tasmania,” she said.
“Those who have symptoms will be requested to get a test and isolate until the result is known.”
She said it was important to recognise with the easing for restrictions we need to remain vigilant.
“While it’s exciting to be able to see restrictions starting to ease and life getting back to a COVID-normal, we also need to remember that there is always a risk of coronavirus in our community,” she said.
“We need to keep our testing numbers high, and we need to make sure that we implement all the social distancing and health measures that we have been so well this year.”
Launceston Airport CEO Hans van Pelt said if the airport is busy with multiple flights departing or arriving at similar times, restrictions on non-passengers entering the terminal may come into place.
This comes as Tasmania Police amps up its compliance checking methods with new technology.
More than 36,000 physical compliance checks have been conducted since March 25.
Acting Inspector John Toohey said a product called Whispir would be used to bolster checks by using SMS and phone location services to pinpoint a person’s location.
People need to opt in for the service to work.
Acting Inspector Toohey said the technology did not replace physical checks.
“It’s being implemented to increase checks being conducted, making sure everyone subject to quarantine conditions it complying with their obligations, for the safety of the Tasmanian community,” he said.
Police will maintain their presence at the state’s airports.
“It will be business as usual assisting biosecurity, working together to get those passengers through the airport,” he said.
Those in hotel quarantine from low-risk areas will be free to leave on Monday.
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