Jeremy Rockliff,Acting Premier
While all test results of close contacts and casual contacts of a COVID-positive teenager have so far returned negative results, I want to remind Tasmanians we are not out of the woods yet, and encourage anyone with even the mildest symptoms to please get tested.
The 17 close contacts of the teenager tested negative yesterday and will be tested again over the weekend, which is seven days from exposure.
There are 51 casual contacts who are being tested throughout today, with seven negative results returned from this group so far.
As we have consistently said, our number one priority is to keep the Tasmanian community safe, and it is critical we monitor the community for any potential spread of the COVID virus.
Anyone, especially in the Launceston community, with even the mildest cold or flu symptoms, please come forward for a test. This is particularly important if you live in Newnham and surrounding suburbs.
This morning, we opened a mobile testing clinic in Newnham, in the TasTAFE carpark, located at 54A Alanvale Road, Launceston. Testing is also available at the permanent clinic in Wellington Street, Launceston, and at some private GP clinics.
Tests can be booked through the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738, or online at www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au
Importantly, even if you are vaccinated, you need to get tested if you have any symptoms.
Tasmanians are continuing to come forward for vaccination in strong numbers, and I’d like to thank and acknowledge the community for rolling up their sleeves.
As of yesterday, 78.5 per cent of Tasmanians aged 16 and over have had one dose of the vaccine, and 62.1 per cent are fully vaccinated.
This means we are on course to pass the significant milestone of 80 per cent of people aged 16 and over with a first dose of the vaccine this weekend.
Vaccination remains our greatest defence against coronavirus, so if you are one of the 95,000 Tasmanians aged 16 and over who hasn’t yet had a COVID-19 vaccination, please book in now, to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the community.
Anyone aged 12 and over can get vaccinated at one of the 105 participating GPs or one of the 100 participating community pharmacies across the state, or at our state-run clinics.
There will also be pop-up clinics across the state in coming days, including Mowbray this Friday and Saturday. We are also in the planning stages of a Small Towns Vaccination Program, as part of our push to ensure every eligible Tasmanian has the opportunity to get vaccinated, and we’ll provide more information on this in coming days.
There are thousands of appointments available over the next few weeks across the state and I again encourage everyone: Don’t wait. Vaccinate.
