State rocked by first death from COVID-19

Premier Peter Gutwein 'extraordinarily saddened' by the death an elderly woman in the state’s North-West as tough new lock-down measures come into play.

Tasmania has recorded its first death from coronavirus.

Premier Peter Gutwein revealed the death of an elderly woman at the state’s North West Regional Hospital yesterday morning.

“This woman was being treated for COVID-19. I want to extend my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to her friends and loved ones,” he said.

“I understand the coroner has been notified and family is receiving the social support that they need at this time.

MORE NEWS:

FIRST AIR PASSENGERS PLACED IN QUARANTINE

CHILDCARE SECTOR ‘BLEEDING’, FACING COLLAPSE

PM UNVEILS $130 BILLION JOBS PACKAGE

“I have been saying for weeks, this is serious, that people will die, and unfortunately Tasmania now has its first death. All Tasmanians need to accept and understand that this is not a game.

“This is serious, people’s lives are at risk.”Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch said the woman, who was in her 80s, had been unwell “for several days”.

“She was in the good care of the hospital in the North-West,” he said.

“I understand there’s several people who are moderately unwell in hospital, but my understanding is we don’t have any people currently in intensive care.”

Yesterday three additional cases of coronavirus were confirmed bringing the total number in the state to 69.

RELATED NEWS: Stimulus package a lifeline for workers

One of the new cases is a close contact of a known case, another recently arrived from overseas, while the third was a cruise ship passenger.

All three cases are women, two from the South and one from the North-West.Meanwhile, Public Health Services continue to investigate two cases in the Devonport area to determine their source of infection.

It is thought these may be the first cases of community transmission in the state.

Police also have revealed a group of 10 campers is facing charges for entering a restricted area, as Tasmania Police warns those found flouting requirements in public places will face legal action.

RELATED NEWS: Tassie duo's relief after drama-filled trip home

Police have conducted more than 1300 compliance checks on people in quarantine across the state, with 40 breaches found so far.

Police also conducted a number of checks of businesses and in public places across the state, including malls, shopping centres and beaches.

Under the Emergency Management Act, there is a penalty of up to $16,800 and up to three months’ jail for failing to comply.

[e-mail]