Tasmanian authorities “confident” North West virus situation in hand
The announcement was made yesterday afternoon that a man had tested positive for coronavirus after returning from Melbourne. WATCH THE LIVE UPDATE>>
Tasmania
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UPDATE: BOTH Tasmanian Premier Peter and the Acting Director of Public Health is Dr Mark Veitch were confident Tasmania remained in control of the COVID-19 pandemic within its borders following a case announced yesterday afternoon.
Despite this, Mr Gutwein warned Tasmanians must not become complacent.
“We are in a good position in Tasmania but you don’t have to look too far to see how quickly things can turn” he said in reference to the latest cases announced in New Zealand - once widely considered a coronavirus safe haven.
“We will see positive cases, we have made that point clear,” he said
“Continue to be sensible until a vaccine is found,” he said.
Mr Gutwein said hygiene, social distancing and staying home when unwell should remain front of mind for Tasmanians
In the last 24 hours, 730 Tasmanians were tested and the state total nears 76,000.
Dr Veitch provided some update on the case revealed yesterday
He said the man in 60s from Northern Tasmania returned last Friday night after two negative tests in Melbourne prior to returning.
“It’s very likely (he) acquired the virus in Victoria,” he said.
Dr Veitch was confident the man’s medical needs warranted him to travel interstate and suggested further travel in the same vein would not be hindered.
“Patients needs absolutely first,” he said.
“All the right things were done and we will continue to do it this way next time – everything worked well.
“If we do get cases here. We will manage them.”
Dr Veitch said the government was confident staff involved with this man’s care are not at risk of infection.
Contact tracing has been carried out on 25 staff including two people who reported “they may have touched their masks while he was in their care.”
Between five and six Land and air ambulance staff involved in the man’s transport have also been contacted
No family or friends were exposed.
INITIAL: TASMANIA Premier Peter Gutwein is about to address media on Tasmania’s latest COVID-19 case.
The announcement was made yesterday afternoon that a man had tested positive for coronavirus after returning from Melbourne.
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The latest case has been confirmed as a Tasmanian resident in his 60s after undergoing ongoing health treatment.
He is currently in the North West Regional Hospital.
Infection control has commenced and the Premier said he was confident there is no further risk of infection.
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