Tasmania ready to open to most of mainland Australia after seven months of locked borders to guard against coronavirus

Tasmania is just days away from finally reopening its borders to most of mainland Australia, but the date has changed more than a few times as the COVID-19 situation evolved. Check out the state’s timeline of border lockdowns.

MORE than seven months after Tasmania shut its borders to control the spread of COVID-19, the state will finally release the shackles on Monday and allow unimpeded travel from most of mainland Australia.

The changes from Monday, October 26 will mean those travelling from Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and the ACT will not have to quarantine for 14 days when they get to Tasmania.

Tasmanian borders could open to NSW as early as November 2 — subject to a further decision by government — while the situation in coronavirus-ravaged Victoria is being continually monitored.

Since March, travellers have had to quarantine either in government-run hotels, or at their home address depending on their circumstances.

Premier Peter Gutwein is expected to provide an update on the state’s border restrictions at 3pm on Friday afternoon.

An Iranian man in Launceston is Tasmania's first confirmed coronavirus case. Premier Peter Gutwein, Minister Health Sarah Courtney and Director of Public Health Mark Veitch at a press conference at the Executive building in Hobart. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

TIMELINE

March 2 - Tasmania records its first case of coronavirus, a man who tested positive in Launceston after travelling from overseas.

March 15 - Premier Peter Gutwein bans cruise ships from docking in Tasmania until at least the end of June, after several vessels emerge as hot spots for the deadly virus.

March 19 - Strict border measures are introduced for all non-essential travellers to Tasmania, having to quarantine for 14 days. Those flouting the rules can be fined up to $16,800, or face up to six months in jail. A state of emergency is also declared, giving the government more wide-ranging powers to deal with the pandemic.

Jetstar flight into Hobart from Melbourne kept on the tarmac for several hours due to a passenger being assessed for coronavirus. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

March 30 - The first group of airline passengers are placed into government-operated quarantine facilities, with a number of hotels being used across the state.

March 30 - Tasmania’s first death from COVID-19 is confirmed, a woman who was being treated at the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie.

April-May - A large-scale outbreak in Tasmania’s North West results in a cluster of cases, with 12 of the state’s 13 COVID-19 deaths occurring in that region.

June 5 - Positive discussions are held between the Tasmanian and New Zealand governments about the possibility of a travel bubble for the two destinations.

June 27 - The Premier says Tasmanian borders will reopen for interstate travel on July 24, as officials monitor a second-wave outbreak in Victoria.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney gives an update on the Government's coronavirus response at the mobile coronavirus assessment clinic in Launceston. Picture: PATRICK GEE

July 8 - Victorians are banned from Tasmania as an outbreak in Melbourne worsens and spreads.

July 11 - The government announces Tasmania will no longer reopen its borders to the mainland over concerns Victoria’s outbreak may have spread to other states.

July 26 - A travel bubble with COVID safe South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory is announced, which was set to start on August 7.

August 4 - The bubble is burst and the plans are reversed, with an announcement the state will stay closed until at least the end of August, amid mounting frustration from the business and tourism sectors.

The coronavirus assessment clinic set up in Launceston. Picture: PATRICK GEE

August 19 - The Premier says border restrictions will stay until December 1, but later says it could be earlier depending on the coronavirus situation on the mainland.

September 4 - It is revealed there is about a one in 10 million chance of a case of coronavirus being imported into Tasmania from places not defined as virus hot spots.

September 29 - Tasmanian Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam says he will throw “the kitchen sink” at a travel bubble arrangement between Tasmania and New Zealand, as talks continue between the governments.

The cruise ship, Coral Discoverer berthed at MAC 2. Hobart at 2pm this afternoon. It is the last cruise ship allowed in Tasmania until June 30 because of COVID-19 / coronavirus. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

October 2 - It is announced Tasmania’s borders will open to low-risk jurisdictions South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and the ACT on October 26. A decision on NSW is deferred while Victoria is still off limits.

October 19 - Mr Gutwein said Tasmania could open to NSW as early as November 2, with constant monitoring of the COVID-19 situation in that state, with potential to open to Victoria at the end of November.

Tasmanian health officials (L-R) Dr. Mark Veitch, Health Secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks, Health Minister Sarah Courtney, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Lawler and Department of Health Financial Officer Craig Jeffrey front the public accounts committee hearings into Tasmania's response to COVID-19/coronavirus. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

October 26 - Tasmanian borders are set to open to every jurisdiction except NSW and Victoria, with travellers from those states required to continue to quarantine.

Since the start of the pandemic, Tasmania has recorded 228 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with 13 deaths.

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