Kingborough residents need to be aware that public gatherings of more than two people are no longer permitted as the COVID-19 pandemic brings the implementation of tighter restrictions on movement and face to face interactions.
The move is a swift reduction from the previous cap of no more than 10 people, announced only a few days previously.
The public has also been advised to stay home as much as possible, only leaving for essential groceries, exercise, medical or care needs.
All workers who can do their job from home are strongly advised to do so.
Households are still able to take walks together in public but are advised to keep the groups as small as possible.
Alongside the restriction on people gathering in public, Prime Minister of Australia the Honourable Scott Morrison MP has advised people over the age of 70 to stay home and practice strict self-isolation where possible, as well as people over 60 who have a chronic medical condition and people over 50 who are of Aboriginal descent.
In addition, Premier of Tasmania, the Honourable Peter Gutwein MP, asked all Tasmanian parents, guardians and caregivers to keep school aged children home as of yesterday, Monday, March 30.
Although school sites will remain open for those who have no alternatives, Premier Gutwein has still urged those who are able to stay at home to do so, in order to minimise contact between households.
“I want to flag with Tasmanians that my intention is to take further steps in line with those other states,” Premier Gutwein said, referencing the measures in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
“As the impacts of the spread of the virus have gotten worse, harder actions have then been taken.
“I’m of the view that we should introduce those harder measures now, to stop things from getting worse.”
As of Monday, March 30, new restrictions were introduced closing all playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skateparks to the community.
Opposition Leader the Honourable Rebecca White MP agrees that tough action is needed to save lives and that the time for half measures is over.
“A second case of coronavirus in Tasmania with an unknown source is a strong signal to Peter Gutwein that all non-essential services must close now in the interests of public health,” said Ms White on Sunday, March 29.
“We have to accept community transmission is likely already happening.
“Residents of Devonport and surrounds are being warned to strictly follow public health advice but at the same time, the Premier is expressing frustration that people are not following advice to stay home to save lives.  
“Closing all non-essential services and putting Tasmanian into full lockdown is the clear course of action,” said Ms White who is calling on Premier Gutwein to set a date for the lockdown so that the community can prepare.
Premier Gutwein made his intention to introduce stricter measures over the coming days clear in an update on Sunday, March 29, offering no apologies for the measures he believes will keep Tasmania safe and secure.
“Tasmania will not be immune from the impacts.
“There will be, at some stage, community transmission.
“That is going to occur.
“I expect also, unfortunately, that there will be deaths.
“We need to ready ourselves for that.
“The rules are clear, abide by them,” urged Premier Gutwein.
“They are there to save your life.”
At the time of printing Tasmania had a confirmed total of 66 cases of coronavirus, raising the state total by 44 over a 7-day timeframe and one Tasmanian had died due to coronavirus.
There are two cases in the North-West of Tasmania which are suspected as being transmitted through the community however this had not yet been confirmed.
Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch said that neither of the two cases had travelled overseas or been on cruise ships in the two weeks before presenting with the illness and a Public Health Response Team were investigating each instance carefully.
The virus has hit people of all age ranges from school aged children to over 80.
Many of the most recent cases were already in quarantine or self-isolation when diagnosed, after having returned from cruises or overseas travel.
Tasmania Police have been conducting compliance checks across the state for those in mandatory isolation.
The situation with coronavirus is changing regularly.
Stay up to date by visiting the Department of Health coronavirus website at http://www.health.tas.gov.au/coronavirus or the Australian Government Department of Health website at www.health.gov.au
There is also a government coronavirus app available for those who have android or apple smart devices.
Anyone requiring more information about coronavirus should contact the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.