Peter Gutwein,Premier
Our priority remains the safety of Tasmanians, and the early detection of the new COVID-19 case in Tasmania and swift work of contact tracers is assisting to manage risk.
The 31-year-old man from NSW who tested positive after absconding from quarantine at the Travelodge, is now being managed in our case management facility at the Fountainside.
A full review of the end-to-end security processes at the Travelodge is being undertaken, with additional security cameras installed today.
There are currently 38 primary contacts, 16 casual contacts and another 16 potential or casual contacts being assessed, all of whom are in quarantine in either a designated hotel or at home.
Urgent tests yesterday on seven primary close contacts, including four students from two different schools, have all returned negative results.
Primary contacts will remain in quarantine for 14 days and undergo further testing and casual contacts will have their quarantine period managed individually by Public Health.
I urge Tasmanians to remain calm, as the public health advice currently is there is no indication of public risk from this case, other than identified contacts.
I encourage anyone with the mildest cold or flu symptoms not to hesitate to have a COVID-19 test, and if you have not yet been vaccinated, don’t wait.
To book a test please call the Public Health hotline on 1800 671 738 or visit www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au where you will also find information on vaccination clinics.
