results
tested
Labor Leader Rebecca White is calling on the Government to
introduce mandatory testing of all essential workers coming into the state who
are granted an exemption from quarantine.
“Public health advice to the Government must raise
significant concerns about the risk of the virus across the country and this
means we need to take a more precautionary approach and test all essential
workers coming into Tasmania who have been granted exemption from quarantine,”
Ms White said.
“The Government has decided the risk from all states and
territories is too great to ease border restrictions which means that no one
should be allowed to come to Tasmania from anywhere across the country and be
exempt from quarantine without first getting tested for COVID.
“The Government must immediately act to make sure that
anyone granted an exemption from quarantine is tested on arrival and that they
quarantine until a result from the test is determined.
“Currently only essential workers arriving from Victoria or
hotspots are tested and worryingly, they aren’t required to quarantine while
they wait for a result.
“The Government’s own website says that essential workers
granted an exemption from quarantine need to get tested for COVID within 24
hours of arrival and that they can work prior to getting a test and while
waiting for a result. This means they can be on the worksite and in our
community for days before a result is known.
“With
more than 20 thousand Tasmanians losing their jobs as a result of the virus, it
is crucial we only take essential workers in exceptional circumstances where it
is proven that a Tasmanian can’t do the job.
“Labor also wants the Government to introduce mandatory
testing for all arrivals to Tasmania from Victoria and hotspots on the first
day of their quarantine and then again on the 12th day.
“States like Western Australia and South Australia have
introduced mandatory testing on arrival for anyone travelling from high risk
areas and we should do the same.
“Tasmanians have done a great job in fighting the spread of COVID-19 in the community and the consequences of letting our guard down now are far too great to take risks.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
