Spirit of Tasmania opening for interstate travellers

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein has addressed the state with the latest news on border restrictions, as the Spirit of Tasmania opens interstate bookings. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE>>

The Spirit of Tasmania ferry. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)

With Tasmania now having ZERO active coronavirus cases, Premier Peter Gutwein has revealed he’s bringing the easing of Stage 3 restrictions forward a week as he also gives an update on borders.

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Tasmanian government update on the COVID-19 situation Friday June 12.

Posted by The Mercury Newspaper on Thursday, 11 June 2020

12.30PM:

TT-Line has today opened bookings for interstate travellers coming to Tasmania from September 1.

An announcement on the Spirit of Tasmania website said bookings are now open.

“For travel prior to 1 September, Spirit of Tasmania can only accept bookings from: Tasmanian residents returning to Tasmania; Essential Travellers to Tasmania; Freight operators; and passengers travelling to the mainland from Tasmania,” the website notice reads.

“Any non-essential travellers arriving in Tasmania between now and 31 August will be quarantined in a government facility for 14 days. Tasmanian residents arriving in Tasmania can quarantine in their principal residence if it is suitable.”

The announcement comes the same day as Premier Peter Gutwein will address the state on when border restrictions will lift.

A TT-Line spokesman said they had taken a “business decision” based on demand to open up bookings for all passengers wishing to travel from September 1.

“Obviously, travel to Tasmania on our vessels for non-Tasmanian residents or essential workers will be contingent on the Tasmanian Government opening the state’s borders to interstate travel,” the spokesman said.

“There has been no indication or confirmation from the government that border controls will be lifted by 1 September.

“Until that decision is made, and should border restrictions remain in place, we will continue to offer our passengers the flexibility to reschedule or cancel bookings without incurring a cancellation fee.”

The spokesman added passenger numbers had “clearly” been impacted by the border control travel restrictions.

Watch the Premier’s livestream from 2pm on The Mercury’s Facebook page.