Why restrictions road map ‘will protect our elderly, vulnerable’

Premier Peter Gutwein has given an insight into what our road map out of COVID-19 restrictions will look like. PLUS the latest on parks, cafes and pubs >>

TASMANIA will continue to “march to the beat of its own drum” when it comes to easing COVID-19 restrictions, Premier Peter Gutwein has declared.

Mr Gutwein said he would outline a road map out of COVID-19 restrictions – complete with timelines – on Friday.

But he said statewide restrictions on public gatherings and non-essential travel would stay firmly in place until May 15.

“Cabinet will meet again on Friday to finalise the way forward,” he said.

“But we will continue to march to the beat of our own drum. We have an older and more vulnerable population.

“We will not be compared to other jurisdictions and will do what is right for our state based on health advice.

“However, post Friday we will be able to provide a road map out of the restrictions.

“Time frames will be provided, but again they will be dependant on how we are tracking.

“By the weekend Tasmanians will understand clearly what processes and rules will be in place moving forward.”

Deputy director of Public Health Scott McKeown backed up the Premier’s stance.

“The situation is not stable yet. Tasmanians should not listen to the messages coming out of other states — but listen to our measures and follow our rules,” Dr McKeown said.

Tasmania’s coronavirus tally has remained at 221 for three days.

There are still 44 active cases and 150 people remain in quarantine.

When parks, pubs may re-open

Green spaces are expected to be the first places to reopen to the public.

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There is no firm time frame yet on when cafes and pubs might open their doors again.

“I understand the rebuild will be frustrating for Tasmanians,” Mr Gutwein said.

“While we are in a good place we need to take ourselves to a better place.

“Complacency will see second and third waves of the virus.”

Restrictions on visiting aged care homes will stay in place until after the Mother’s Day weekend.

“The very best Mother’s Day present a Tasmanian can provide to their mother is to keep them safe,” Mr Gutwein said.