The recommendations to consider testing for coronavirus in Tasmania have been expanded to include recent travellers to a further seven countries.
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State director of public health Dr Mark Veitch said the recommendation to consider testing would now include people with relevant symptoms who have recently travelled to South Korea, Iran, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan and Thailand.
There have been no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Tasmania.
While in line with national recommendations, Dr Veitch said the expansion had resulted in an expected increase in tests.
As of Tuesday there were nine Tasmanians who had, or were having samples collected for testing.
Laboratory tests are done at the Royal Hobart Hospital, with results usually available within 24 hours of specimen collection.
"None of these people required hospitalisation and all are be managed by self-isolation until their test results are complete," Dr Veitch said.
IN OTHER NEWS
It's been more than two weeks since the last confirmed coronavirus infection was diagnosed in Australia, with the exception seven people who caught their infection on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
So far 24 tests have been completed on 22 people in Tasmania, with all results negative.
Dr Veitch said Australia was well prepared to deal with coronavirus, but would continue to take "a precautionary approach based on expert advice and the best available evidence".
Any person who has been in mainland China and left on or after February 1 must self-isolate for 14 days after leaving mainland China.
This means they must not attend public places including work, childcare, school, or other educational settings.
This advice for self-isolation also applies to people who have been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus.
Public Health advice
- Everyone in Tasmania is encouraged to prevent the spread of germs every day by using good hygiene practices.
- Protect yourself and others: wash your hands thoroughly and often and after using of tissues stay at home if you were feeling unwell.
- Cover sneezes and coughs with tissues or your elbow.
- Face masks are not recommended for use by the general public to prevent illnesses.
- Anyone with concerns or further questions to call the Public Health Hotline helpline on 1800 671 738.
Tasmanian Department of Health updates can be found online here.
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Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
