Tasmanians’ health at forefront of Premier’s ‘very difficult decision’

Premier Peter Gutwein has held fast amid pressure from the Federal Government to open the borders, questioning ScoMo’s authority in Tasmania. Find out when you can go interstate>>

TASMANIA is standing firm on border restrictions, with Premier Peter Gutwein saying the state will not be rushed on easing rules despite pressure from federal counterparts.

The state’s border lockdown measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 are set to be reviewed in July, as other states and the Federal Government push for restrictions to be relaxed earlier.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said he hoped Australians could travel interstate in time for the July school holidays, while federal tourism minister Simon Birmingham has urged state and territory governments to open borders.

But Mr Gutwein said Tasmania would not be rushed into making a decision.

“The last time I looked, the Prime Minister wasn’t the Director of Public Health in Tasmania, nor was he the Premier in Tasmania,’’ he said.

Premier Peter Gutwein has declined Federal Government advice to re-open borders sooner, saying the call will be made in the coming weeks. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“I thank him for his input but at the end of the day, we’ll make the call on this when it’s right for this state.”

Mr Gutwein said he noted commentary about Tasmania needing to see eradication of the virus in other parts of the country before the state considers lifting its borders.

The Premier said it would be a “very difficult task” for the entire country to eradicate the virus, and any decision on a potential opening of the borders would have the health and safety of Tasmanians at the forefront.

“I expect in early July that we will be able to make a decision in terms of when our borders will open and whether that would be sooner or later,’’ he said.

Mr Gutwein also cautioned Tasmanians on getting ahead of themselves, as the government and health officials consider whether to ease restrictions early ahead of the long weekend.

It could allow people to visit their shacks for the Queen’s Birthday holiday, but he said it would depend on Public Health advice.

“I’m sure many Tasmanians, myself included, are looking forward to that break,’’ he said.

“[But] I do want to caution Tasmanians from getting in front of themselves.

“Obviously we will look sensibly at this, but we will take a cautious approach based on Public Health advice.”

Mr Gutwein said an announcement would likely be made by the middle of next week.

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch said testing numbers have increased, with more than 1500 conducted in the past two days. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Public Health Director Mark Veitch said as testing numbers increased and hundreds of negative results were returned, it would give officials confidence to recommend changes.

But he said he would not predict what restrictions might be able to be lifted early.

“Everybody wants to move into a situation where [we can] enjoy life in a more normal fashion but we have to do it safely,’’ he said.

“So we have to see what the testing shows over the coming week and we have to make sure the suite of measures that we recommend to government are sensible and safe.”

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