Tasmania in grips of new Covid wave as authorities urge residents to get vaccinations up to date

Tasmania has recorded the highest spike in patients hospitalised with Covid in the country, as health experts urge residents to have their vaccinations up to date amid a new virus wave.

As deaths from Covid continue and the number of people in hospital with the virus has risen 57 per cent – the highest in the country – Tasmanians are being urged to get a Covid booster.

Four Tasmanians died with the virus in the week to last Thursday and there were 47 admissions to hospital, including one patient in intensive care.

More than 1000 new Covid cases were reported and 267 Tasmanians have died since the pandemic started in 2020.

Health unions are worried about a new wave of Covid and the pressure on hospitals with cases of Covid and influenza, and Public Health is urging people to get vaccinated.

Greens health spokesperson Dr Rosalie Woodruff believes the true number of cases could be “much higher” than the 1004 reported.

“With the government stopping free Covid tests, Tasmanians are forced to cover the cost, and battle the long waiting lists, for a GP visit to get a reliable test,” she said.

“We are very concerned 47 people were in hospital with Covid, a 57 per cent increase since the previous week and the highest jump in the country.

“Roughly a quarter of people with Covid last week accessed support from Covid@home, which is a bad sign for future hospital pressures.”

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation secretary Emily Shepherd said people should get Covid boosters and influenza vaccinations.

“We expect there will be more waves and it is concerning going into winter that we are dealing with more hospitalisations,” she said.

“This will place significant pressure on the hospital workforce so we all need to play our part and stay home if we’re not well and update our vaccinations.”

HACSU Industrial Manager Robbie Moore. Picture: Chris Kidd

Health and Community Services Union industrial manager Robbie Moore said hospitals were very busy with the latest Covid outbreak.

“It is very alarming and staff will be under pressure not to take annual leave,” he said.

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch said the number of notified cases of Covid in Tasmania had increased since February but the current wave of infections was far fewer than in the four waves during 2022.

“Hospitalisations and deaths related to Covid are a reminder that Covid continues to circulate in the Tasmanian community and continues to pose a risk, particularly to older people and those with underlying medical conditions,” he said.

“It remains important to keep up to date with your vaccinations, particularly if you are at greater risk of severe illness from Covid.

“All adults who are six months past their last dose of a Covid vaccine or a confirmed infection are eligible for a free Covid booster from their GP or pharmacy.”