Tasmanians urged to stay home this New Year’s Eve

Large crowds will gather to bring in the new year across Tasmania on Friday night, but people are being warned to stay home if they have a sore throat or a snifffle. ADVICE >>>

THE message from health authorities to New Year’s Eve revellers in Tasmania is clear — if you’re crook, don’t go out.

Large crowds usually flock to the Hobart waterfront to bring in the new year, with plenty more activity expected this year due to the Taste of Summer festival.

Public Health Director Mark Veitch said measures were in place to make events as safe as possible, but it was important people stay home if they were sick.

“One of the critical measures is if you’re unwell or you’ve just learnt that one of your mates has got Covid, don’t go out to a pub or a party,’’ he said.

“If there’s any reason that you could be a case based on your circumstances or your symptoms, don’t go out.

“I think that’s the critical message that people with any signs of illness do have a very quiet New Year’s Eve.

“Other people who are healthy who follow the requirements of various public spaces when they attend them, can go of course to those places and enjoy them.”

Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Veitch. Picture: Linda Higginson

It comes after South Australia’s chief health officer Nicola Spurrier urged people in that state to have the “quietest ever” New Year’s Eve to minimise the risk of spreading Covid-19.

Meanwhile, federal Health Minister Greg Hunt also urged caution.

“Avoid the moshpit, don’t pack in in large close numbers, that’s common sense,” he said.

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