Kingborough residents who have recently travelled internationally are advised to make themselves aware of and follow public health recommendations about COVID-19.
At the time of printing there were seven confirmed cases of coronavirus in Tasmania, all directly linked to people who have travelled overseas and risk to the general population is still being described as very low by Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Scott McKeown.
A recently opened respiratory clinic in Hobart will give the community greater access to COVID-19 testing and assessments if they need to be referred for health professionals.
Based on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), the Tasmanian Government, along with all other states, announced the following restrictions on Sunday, March 15.
As of Monday, March 16, a mandatory, 14-day, self-isolation period will be in place for all Australians returning from any international destination.
If any symptoms of COVID-19 become apparent, the next step is to contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
Static, non-essential, public gatherings of 500 people or more, where members of the public are seated closely together for long periods of time, should not go ahead.
Examples such as football games and concerts were given, while non-static events such as fairs, festivals and markets are currently deemed low-risk and able to continue.
Both self-isolation and restrictions on non-essential, static gatherings will be mandated under the Public Health Act, although specific information about enforcement and penalties is not yet available.
More generally, everyone has been encouraged to help slow the spread of viral illnesses by practicing social distancing, washing hands often with soap and water or using hand sanitiser, using a tissue or elbow to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and disposing of tissues into a rubbish bin immediately after use.
Those who are unwell should not attend school, work or make visits to vulnerable settings such as aged care facilities and hospitals.
At the time of printing, this infomation was correct but due to the rapidly evolving situation, public advice regarding travel, self-isolation, social distancing and testing for COVD-19 should be reviewed regularly via the Tasmanian Department of Health website www.health.tas.gov.au/coronavirus
For general information about coronavirus, call the national 24-hour coronavirus information line on 1800 020 080.
Travel restrictions and self-Isolation
All people returning from any international travel must isolate themselves for 14 days after their return.
Any non-essential overseas travel plans are recommended to be postponed or cancelled at this time.
This advice for self-isolation also applies to people who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus.
Anyone who has symptoms after being advised they are a ‘casual contact’ of someone with coronavirus infection should contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
