When you should get your booster shot if you’ve had Covid

Tasmania has recorded another Covid related death overnight as the government reveals when those who have caught the virus can line up for their booster shot. LATEST + HAVE YOUR SAY >>

A man in his 70s has become the latest victim of the Covid pandemic in Tasmania, succumbing to the disease overnight at the Royal Hobart Hospital. It brings the state’s Covid toll since 2020 to 56.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he expected more virus-related deaths to come.

“We can, unfortunately, expect further deaths from COVID-19 as the occurrence and peak in COVID-19 deaths typically occurs up to a month after the peak in community cases,” he said.

“This reflects the later peak in illness among older persons and the clinical course of severe illness due to COVID-19.”

The state recorded another 1078 cases overnight and the number of active cases stands at 6216.

Had rona? Here’s when you can get your booster

Tasmania has recorded another Covid-19 death as the government provides advice to clear up confusion over when those who have recovered from the virus can line up for a vaccination or booster shot.

A man in his 70s died at an aged care home in Tasmania’s south in the latest reporting period taking the death toll since the start of the pandemic in 2020 to 55.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff warned Tasmanians to expect further loss of life saying deaths typically peaked up to a month after a peak in community cases.

A Hobart mum took to social media this week saying she was turned away when she took her young child to get his first Covid-19 shot.

Staff advised that because the boy had recently contracted, and recovered from the virus, he  needed to wait three months before he could be vaccinated.

Many other patients lined up to get jabbed were turned away due to the vaccine timetable change.

First day on the job for new Premier Jeremy Rockliff with an event at Dodges Ferry Ambulance Station. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Our family all had covid about two months ago. We had booked the vaccine appointment but were told the rules had come into effect on Friday,” she said.

“It was a bit frustrating because we had not been made aware of the changes.”

State Health commander Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation had released updated advice regarding the interval required between vaccine doses.

“It recommends everyone  should wait for three months after they’ve had a confirmed COVID infection before having their next dose of Covid-19 vaccine,’ Ms Morgan-Wicks said.

“The guidance applies to any dose of COVID-19 vaccine and to all people aged five years and older.

“The next scheduled dose should then be given as soon as possible after that waiting period.

“This follows evidence that the risk of re-infection with the Omicron variant is very low within three months of a confirmed infection and that by deferring vaccination the level and duration of protection may be improved.”

Margaret Keenan, 91, receives her spring Covid-19 booster shot at University Hospital Coventry, on April 22, 2022. (Photo by Jacob King / POOL / AFP)

Previous advice was to proceed with your next due dose of vaccine as soon as you had recovered from COVID infection and were no longer displaying symptoms.

“Due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic we cannot rule out further changes to the national advice and guidance as more evidence comes to light,” Ms Morgan-Wicks said.

Tasmania recorded 1096 new cases of Covid-19 in the last reporting period taking the number of active cases in the state to 6321.

Twenty two patients - of the 49 currently in hospital with the virus - are being treated specifically for Covid-19 symptoms. Two are in ICU.

Free RATs for close contacts as new rules take effect

Close contacts of positive Covid cases will be able to access free rapid antigen tests as Tasmania’s new rules came into effect on Monday, scrapping the need for close contacts to isolate.

Those who have Covid symptoms, are a close contact and those who are directed to test by public health can register for free PCR and RATs.

Previously close contacts were required to isolate for seven days, test on days one and six and were allowed to leave quarantine on day seven if their day six test was negative.

Close contacts are now allowed to leave their home but they must return a daily negative test for seven days if they are leaving home.

“If you have been classed as a close contact of a positive Covid case, you can collect the necessary number of RATs for the 7-day period for free from state-run distribution centres by completing a RAT request form on the coronavirus website or by calling the Public Health Hotline,” health minister Jeremy Rockliff said.

“Those unable to access one of these established collection points may be able to have them delivered to their home instead.”

Those who have recovered from Covid in the last 12 weeks are not considered close contacts and are not required to get tested.

Those who test positive are required to notify Public Health.

Tasmania’s Covid death toll continues to climb

Tasmania has recorded three new Covid-19 deaths, bringing the state’s total virus death toll to 54 since the beginning of the pandemic.

There were 900 cases recorded on Monday morning, up from 816 on Sunday, with 6261 active cases statewide.

Three more people are in hospital with the virus, with 46 patients Covid-positive and 21 being treated specifically for symptoms of the virus.

Two people with Covid are currently in intensive care.

“Sadly, I can confirm that we have three people that have passed away,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.

“A man in his 70s and a woman in her 50s have passed away at the North West Regional Hospital, and a man in his late 40s has also passed away at the Launceston General Hospital.

“I offer my sincere condolences to the people’s family and friends and loved ones at this very sad and difficult time.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The three new deaths follow Mr Rockliff’s announcement on Sunday that a man in his eighties had died in a residential aged care facility in the state’s south.

As of 12.01am on Monday, Tasmanians classed as close contacts are no longer required to quarantine for seven days, provided they comply with other Public Health measures.

REVEALED: What the new Covid rules mean for you

Tasmania’s close contact rules have been relaxed as of today, putting an end to the mandatory 7-day quarantine period for close contacts.

However some rules still apply for close contacts, who must wear a face mask when outside their homes in indoor settings.

Additionally they are obliged to tell their workplace of their contact status and avoid high-risk buildings such as aged care facilities and hospitals.

Those who discover they are a close contact must confirm a negative rapid antigen test result each day they leave the home.

Close contacts can pick up free RATs from state-run distribution centres by filling in a RAT request form on the coronavirus website or by calling the Public Health Hotline.

Those unable to access one of these established collection points may be able to have them delivered to their home instead.

Free RATs are also available to those who have a concession card or a Health Care Card, even if they are not close contacts.

Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff said this was a small, but cautious step towards normality.

“I understand these changes may be concerning for some, but they are another important step in our ongoing transition to live with COVID-19 and I want to assure Tasmanians that we are doing this safely, sensibly and in line with national and Tasmanian public health advice,” Mr Rockliff said.

“It also brings Tasmania into line with most other states and territories, including NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and ACT.”

Although not a hard and fast rule, Mr Rockliff said they “recommended” close contacts to avoid large gatherings, social events, and vulnerable people.

Even with restrictions easing, Mr Rockliff said he encouraged people to use some common sense to prevent the spread of Covid.

“With Covid continuing to circulate within the community, I would also like to remind everyone that it is all our responsibility to look out for one another by following the Covid-safe behaviours,” Mr Rockliff said.

Release of Roy Fagan Centre Older Persons Mental Health Services Review Report, Tasmanian Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff. Picture Chris Kidd

“Practice good hand hygiene, follow social distancing, test when you have symptoms, stay home when you are unwell, and wear masks where required to do so.”

The rules come after a Covid patient in his 80s died in his residential aged care home in South Tasmania, pushing the state’s total Covid death toll to 51.

The elderly man’s death was confirmed on Sunday morning alongside another 816 confirmed Covid cases overnight on Saturday.

Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff said the man’s death was a tragic loss for the community.

“I extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of this man who has sadly passed away,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Getting a booster when you are due continues to be the best defence against COVID-19, with vaccination available at 100+ pharmacies, 100+ GPs and state-run clinics.”

The total number of historical cases is now 136,459, meaning that about one in four Tasmanians have had Covid at some point.

Currently there are 43 Covid patients in hospital, three in ICU, four kept in community case management facilities, and 600 enrolled in the Covid@home program.

Vaccination rates remain higher than the mainland, with 97.94 per cent of people aged 12 and above having had at least two shots.