Tasmanians can be confident our state's health authorities are taking the threat of coronavirus extremely seriously.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
We have measures in place to reduce the chance of it entering Tasmania, and we are prepared to contain and slow the spread, in the event that it does.
We have been working closely with the Australian Government and other jurisdictions to ensure coordinated efforts. Yesterday I met with my interstate counterparts at the COAG Health Council in Melbourne to discuss the national response to the outbreak. To that end, the state government has made the decision to stand up the State Emergency Management Committee, to ensure Tasmania continues to be well prepared and to continue to keep our communities safe.
Efforts by our Public Health officials have so far been successful in preventing coronavirus from entering Tasmania. The state is yet to have any positive results from coronavirus, and we are working hard to ensure this continues to be the case.
Forty-four tests have been carried out on 42 people, with all tests negative. The state's public health officials and clinical experts have been working around the clock to maintain our precautionary approach, as well as keeping the public informed.
Robust plans are in place so that Tasmania is prepared for the scenario where coronavirus does enter the state.
As an example, we are examining how the establishment and operation of community-based clinics could best assist us in responding.
Similar to those used in 2009, these clinics provide capacity to assess patients and collect samples in locations that allow us to manage patient flow away from emergency departments and hospitals, helping to minimise the risk of infection within the community.
Alongside this measure, the Tasmanian Government is also examining our public hospital capacity and how we can best and most safely accommodate those patients requiring acute care.
This includes using negative pressure rooms at hospitals around the state, and also identifying areas of our hospitals that have appropriate air handling in place so patients can be cared for safely while minimising the risk of exposure and infection to staff and other patients.
While no place is immune, it is important Tasmanians continue to go about their daily lives with confidence, knowing that our public health system is fully prepared to respond to this challenge.
- Sarah Courtney is the Health Minister.