Tasmania enters another shadow lockdown

Tasmanian Labor

Record COVID-19 case numbers and an enormous number of Tasmanians now in isolation means that Tasmania has entered into another shadow lockdown.

Radio stations are not even bothering to broadcast traffic reports, hospitality venues are unusually quiet and schools are reporting mass absences.

The Liberal Government should outline how many Tasmanians are in mandated isolation. The number could be as high as 25,000.

As we saw in January, we are now seeing Tasmanians both in mandated isolation or making their own decisions to reduce social interaction.

The hardest hit by this will again be the Tasmanian small business sector and its workers as we see fewer people out and about and businesses closing their doors due to staffing shortages.

The Liberals cannot simply continue to sit on their hands and do nothing about the situation.

Tasmanians know Peter Gutwein’s government was not ready for the border to be re-opened as we saw case numbers explode, testing queues stretch for kilometres and contact tracing fall apart.

Labor has released a comprehensive proposed business support package, designed to help businesses that have been impacted by the Gutwein Government’s failures.

The government has steadfastly refused to offer further assistance, even to those who report they have been unable to access any assistance at all.

Dean Winter MP

Shadow Economic Development Minister

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