COVID-19: Latest updates for Tasmania

TASMANIAN RESTRICTIONS GUIDE: Read what you can do, and when, in our comprehensive lockdown guide.

TRACKED: We've analysed the coronavirus outbreak in Tasmania from day one in this complete story here.

NEW STREAK: Tasmania has gone five days without a new reported case of the coronavirus, and just one case in the past 11 days. Read more here.

RACISM RESPONSE: Community groups are calling on governments to launch an anti-racism campaign in Tasmania after a woman of Asian appearance was racially abused outside a Mowbray supermarket. Read more here.

TASMANIA'S CASES:

TWO DEATHS: Two people who tested positive to the coronavirus have died in hospital. The man and woman, both in their 60s, had serious pre-existing health conditions and will not be added to the state's coronavirus death toll until a coroner has completed a report. Read more here.

Restrictions started to be lifted in Tasmania from today. Read how businesses have reacted here.

NO NEW CASES: There were no new cases of coronavirus confirmed in Tasmania on Saturday, director of public health Mark Veitch said.

The state's total remains at 226 cases with 18 active cases: two in the North, one in the South, and 15 in the North-West.

DETAILS ON LATEST CASE: The first confirmed case of coronavirus in over a week was a man who had travelled on the Ruby Princess cruise ship.

Director of Public Health Mark Veitch said the man was in his 70s and was from Northern Tasmania.

"The man is a close contact of a previously confirmed case and had also travelled on the Ruby Princess," he said.

"He was in quarantine when he was most likely to have been infectious.

"Contact tracing has been conducted by Public Health and recent close contacts have been quarantined as a matter of caution."

After seven days of new cases, a man in Northern Tasmania was diagnosed with coronavirus. Read more here.

The impact of coronavirus on the state budget was revealed by Premier Peter Gutwein. Story here.

A Tasmanian expert said returning to normal after the isolation and restrictions of COVID-19 would be another challenging phase of the pandemic. Read more here.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Foundation called for uncapped paid pandemic leave for its members. Story here.

There has now been one week with no cases of coronavirus identified in Tasmania. The state's total remains 225 with 25 active cases: one in the North, one in the South, and 23 in the North-West.

There is a proposal to make trips on the Spirit of Tasmania free to encourage tourism from the mainland after state borders open. Story here.

Modelling suggests that without quick action, 477,000 Tasmanians would have contracted COVID-19 and 29,400 would have been hospitalised without the state's quick action. Story here.

SIX-DAY STREAK: There were no new cases of coronavirus identified in Tasmania again on Wednesday, making it six days since the last new case was discovered.

PETROL RIP-OFF: Oil prices have crashed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but prices at service stations haven't followed suit. Tasmanians have paid $13 million too much since March, RACT says, story here.

NO NEW CASES: For the fifth day in a row, no new cases were identified in Tasmania despite ramped-up testing. The state's total remains at 225, with 29 active cases at last count, 13 deaths, and the remainder having recovered.

Any Tasmanian with cold or flu-like symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose, or fever should contact their GP or call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to arrange testing for coronavirus.

27,000 JOB LOSSES: In sadder news, it's estimated there have been 27,000 job losses in Tasmania due to the virus. Story here.

FACE SHIELDS: University of Tasmania have turned their skillsets to making face shields for frontline medical workers, using 3D printers and laser-cutters. Story here.

AGED CARE: Tasmania's restrictions are stricter than the rest of the nation. The National Cabinet advised limiting visits to a maximum of two visitors, at one time, per day. However in Tasmania residents are only allowed a visit once a week until May 25. More information here.

HARVEST REOPENING: Harvest Market is planning to reopen at its Cimitiere Street site on May 23.

WORKING FROM HOME: At least one Tasmanian business is pondering keeping working from home going, even after workers could legally return to the office. Story here.

A timeline for the lifting of restrictions was announced by Premier Peter Gutwein. Read more here.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Tasmania remained stable. Find out more.

A new coronavirus case was confirmed on Thursday morning and another was confirmed on Thursday night taking the state's total number of cases to 225. See here.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the Thursday morning case involved a North-West man in his 30s who had been a close contact of a confirmed case. Read more here.

Tasmania recorded zero new coronavirus cases, keeping the state's total number of cases at 223.

One of Tuesday's confirmed cases was identified as a Launceston General Hospital worker. Read more here.

Plasma of recovered Tasmanian COVID-19 patients could be used in 'promising' new trial. See here.

After four days with no new cases, Tasmania confirmed two news cases on Tuesday. One in the state's North-West and one in the North. Read more here.

National cabinet met with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to discuss the chance of opening travel between the two countries during the coronavirus pandemic.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the government would look for the opportunity to put in place direct flights between New Zealand and Tasmania. See here.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney on Tuesday announced birthing services would return to the North-West Coast.

She said intensive care services and radiation therapy had already returned to the North-West Regional Hospital. Read more here.

One Tasmanian worker in every 50 lost their job in just one week in April as the coronavirus crisis deepened. Find out more here.

The state recorded it's fourth day with no new confirmed cases of COVID-19. See here.

Tasmania's road map out of coronavirus restrictions will be made clear on Friday after national cabinet but the state has been urged to not get complacent. Read more here.

Stakeholders have said there should be no panicking about issues around the COVIDSafe app and continuous glucose monitoring apps used by diabetics. Read more here.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the strict rules regarding aged care facilities would be lifted and the state would transition to the national position from midnight on Monday, May 11. Read more here.

Tasmania recorded its third day with no new confirmed cases. Read more here.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney says despite no new cases of coronavirus identified in the last 48-hours, now is not the time to buy a pair of shoes because you feel like it. Read more here.

Asymptomatic staff at the Mersey Community Hospital are not being tested for COVID-19 despite a patient testing positive there last Thursday. Read more here.

The Greens are calling for resources Minister Guy Barnett to rethink the State's forestry future in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.

It is too early to assess the mental health impacts of this pandemic says the peak body representing Tasmania's community managed mental health sector. Read more here.

Tasmania has 221 confirmed cases with 158 people recovered and 13 deaths so far.

Tasmania's top health official has compared the COVID-19 to the arrival of Europeans in Australia. Read more here.

Testing in Tasmania will be expanded after a delivery of equipment from the federal government and the Minderoo Foundation. Read more here.

Premier Peter Gutwein regardless of decisions made on the mainland about easing restrictions, Tasmania must keep in mind it is more vulnerable to COVID-19. Read more here.

Tasmania's total of confirmed cases remains at 221 with no new cases recorded in the 24 hours up till 6 pm last night.

There are 51 active cases across the State with one person in intensive care and eight hospitalised.

So far a total of 13,545 test have been conducted with 665 done in the last 24 hours.

Of the active cases two are in the North, four are in the South and 45 are in the North-West.

Less than 10 per cent of people who have applied for an exemption to mandatory quarantine laws have been successful. Learn more here.

No new cases of COVID-19 have been detected in Tasmania since 6 pm Thursday night.

That means the State's total of confirmed cases remains at 221. Read more here.

Data which reveals what local government areas have confirmed cases of COVID-19 will be made public next week. Read more here.

Today Premier Peter Gutwein announced retail restrictions on the North-West would be relaxed on Sunday. Read more here.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said she is committed to implementing all the recommendations from a report into the North-West COVID-19 outbreak. Learn more here.

More than 3.5 million people have already downloaded the COVIDSafe tracing app but Prime Minister Scott Morrison still wants millions more to. Find out more here.

Today Premier Peter Gutwein discussed the government's plan for economic and social recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.

An interim report into the North-West outbreak was also released which found the most likely "ground zero" of the outbreak at the North West Regional Hospital was the Ruby Princess cruise ship. Read more here.

The State's COVID-19 death toll rose to 13 today with the announcement that two 86 year-old woman passed away. Read more here. And here.

As of 6 pm two new cases have been confirmed bringing Tasmania's total of confirmed cases to 221. Read more here.

Only one new case of coronavirus was recorded in Tasmania on Wednesday. Read more here.

North-West hospitals are set to resume normal operations and an emergency medicine crew flown into Tasmania two weeks ago will depart the state after a completed deep clean of the emergency department. Read more here.

A second COVID-19 Disease Emergency Bill will be introduced in state Parliament on Thursday with a range of measures relating to the pandemic. Story here.

Rough sleepers in Tasmania will soon have more options for safe refuge thanks to a $4.3 million injection into the state's housing and homelesseness sector. Details here.

Two aged care operators on the North-West Coast are 'incensed' with recent remarks from the Prime Minister Scott Morrison that suggested facilities were locking people in their rooms during the pandemic. Story here.

Four new cases of coronavirus have been identified, taking the state's total to 218 after two new cases on Monday, four on Sunday, and one on Saturday.

One case is from the North, although they are a close contact of a confirmed case in the North-West. The other three are health care workers. Story here

"We run the schools in Tasmania," Premier Peter Gutwein said, following the federal Education Minister's comment that schools should be back to normal by the end of May.

"How we operate [schools] in Tasmania is a matter for us," he said.

"Our position remains consistent with what we announced before Easter - our schools will remain open. Parents should keep their children home unless they cannot support their learning."

The latest on schools is here.

A man and woman from North-West Tasmania have been diagnosed with coronavirus. Read more here.

The Burnie coronavirus outbreak will be independently investigated. Premier Peter Gutwein said an "independent review" will be conducted into the cluster which has been responsible for the majority of the state's cases and nearly all of its deaths. Read more here.

Liberal Senator Eric Abetz is satisfied with the extensive privacy safeguards surrounding the Federal Government's Coronavirus Contact App and has downloaded it. Read more here.

A drive-through coronavirus testing clinic is now operating at the Elphin Sports Centre in Launceston. Read more here.

Four new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Tasmania since 6pm last night and all of them are linked to the outbreak at the North West Regional Hospital. Read more here.

A 90-year-old man became the 10^th Tasmanian with coronavirus to die. Read more here.

There has been one additional case of coronavirus confirmed in Tasmania since 6pm last night. Read more here.

A ninth Tasmanian with coronavirus died at Launceston General Hospital. Read more here.

Restrictions on retailers and travel in the North-West were extended for another week. Read more here.

For the first time since March 31, Tasmania had no confirmed new coronavirus cases diagnosed. Read more here.

The state government was unable to provide a timeline of when Burnie hospitals would be fully re-opened. Read more here.

Testing criteria for COVID-19 will be expanded in the North and South of the state, Health Minister Sarah Courtney announced. Read more here.

Premier Peter Gutwein said an announcement about whether restrictions on retailers in Tasmania's North-West would be extended for another week was imminent. Read more here.

The state government will be rolling out a package of up to $3 million to support temporary visa holders in Tasmania.

Premier Peter Gutwein announced the four-part package on Wednesday. He said he did not agree with the message that temporary visa holders should simply go home. Read more here.

Only one new case of coronavirus was confirmed on Tuesday night, bringing the state's total to 201. Read more here.

Tasmania lost about 19,000 jobs in just three weeks as the coronavirus crash hit home, and the situation is expected to worsen.

The state is estimated to have shed roughly 18,800 jobs between March 14 and April 4. Read more here.

People who become sick with COVID-19 are not retested before leaving isolation because the vast majority of transmission to others occurs at the beginning of the illness says the state's Public Health director. Read more here.

Premier Peter Gutwein used Tuesday's daily coronavirus briefing to spruik the Federal Government's planned tracking app.

"I would ask Tasmanians to keep an open mind to this," he said. Read more here.

The Examiner asked whether federal representatives would be personally downloading the app and the responses crossed party lines.

However, none of the 11 representatives who responded believe the app should be mandatory. Read more here.

Maternity services are expected to return to Burnie in a few days but the reinstatement of all health services at the North West Regional and North West Private hospitals will be weeks away. Read more here.

A further five cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the state, bringing Tasmania's total to 200.

All of the new cases are from the North West. Read more here.

Public Health deputy director Scott McKeown apologised for a case count error which caused incorrect figures to be reported in media outlets. Read more here.

Tasmania has one public health laboratory at the Royal Hobart Hospital and it has the capacity to process 500 coronavirus tests a day. Read more here.

A health union says workers are still worried about the supply of personal protective equipment despite a new pilot program in North-West hospitals to manage its use.

Health and Community Services Union assistant secretary Robbie Moore welcomed the pilot program but said there was still an inadequate supply of PPE. Read more here.

A 79-year-old female resident of a Devonport aged care facility has tested positive for coronavirus, following a testing blitz on three facilities. Read more here.

She was among three new cases of coronavirus confirmed since Saturday night, taking Tasmania's tally to 191. Read more here.

A further six people were diagnosed with COVID-19 on Sunday and Tasmania's total number of cases stands at 197. Read more here.

A further four COVID-19 cases were detected in the North-West on Saturday. Read more here.

Premier Peter Gutwein has warned Tasmanians to be prepared for the worst, should a coronavirus outbreak be confirmed in an aged care home in the North-West. Read more here.

Police have ramped up compliance in the North-West, stopping hundreds of vehicles for checks. Read more here.

A 72-year-old man became the seventh person with COVID-19 to die in Tasmania. Read more here.

Premier Peter Gutwein says he does not believe there is a communication issue between the state and federal governments after Prime Minister Scott Morrison alleged on radio that a North-West health care worker lied to authorities about where they'd been and who they'd been in contact with. Read more here.

Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest, Greens leader Cassy O'Connor and Labor leader Rebecca White have criticised the Prime Minister for singling out one healthcare worker in the radio interview. Read more here.

Additional COVID-19 testing capacity will be rolled out across the North-West Coast with the support of the federal government. Read more here.

Eleven new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Tasmania on Thursday night, with 10 originating from the North-West and one from the South. One of the cases was found to have worked shifts not only at the North West Regional Hospital and North West Private Hospital, but also at three nursing homes. Read more here.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney has said she expects the North West Regional Hospital's emergency department to reopen on Friday, following a deep clean. Read more here.

Premier Peter Gutwein has confirmed that all of the 15 coronavirus cases detected on Tuesday were related to the North-West.

A testing blitz will now be undertaken in the region. Read more here.

Tasmania recorded its sixth coronavirus death. It was a 91-year-old woman who was being treated at the Mersey Community Hospital. Read more here.

The state's tally rose by 15, taking the state's total tally up to 165. Fourteen of the cases are from Tasmania's North-West, but one case is still under investigation. Read more here.

Premier Peter Gutwein said Australia's chief medical officer was "commenting on a rumour" when he alleged that an "illegal dinner party" was behind the worsening coronavirus outbreak stemming from Burnie hospitals. Read more here.

Mr Gutwein has warned of more deaths in the coming days. Tasmania has the highest death rate of any state or territory, but also the lowest coronavirus testing rate. Read more here.

The ADF is being deployed to Burnie to help contain the outbreak, with a range of measures being undertaken this week at the shut down North West Regional Hospital and North West Private Hospital. Read more here.

Premier Peter Gutwein and Health Minister Sarah Courtney have provided more detail about the measures being undertaken at the North West Regional Hospital and North West Private Hospital to contain a coronavirus outbreak. Read more here.

A further 11 cases were identified in Tasmania on Sunday - all in the North-West, all coming from the hospital outbreak - taking the state's tally to 144. Read more here.

Read about how the North-West measures could impact Launceston here.

Tasmania's COVID-19 response continues to be focused on the North West as authorities track an outbreak from the North West Regional Hospital.

The government has announced a range of measures in response to this, including closing two hospitals and restricting retail. Read more here.

A further 11 cases were detected from the North-West on Saturday.

This was matched on Sunday, when another 11 cases were confirmed in the North-West. Read more here.

Tasmania has also recorded its fifth death from COVID-19. Premier Peter Gutwein gave a briefing on Sunday morning, read more here.

A further 10 people in the North West have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Community leaders are urging Tasmanians to stay at home this Easter long weekend. Read more and watch the videos here.

Tasmania recorded its fourth coronavirus death. The man died at the North West Regional Hospital, where there has been a significant outbreak of the deadly disease. Read more here.

Tasmania Police have told 15 people to get out of holiday hotspots and go back to their own homes as part of a COVID-19 crackdown on Easter travel. Find out more here.

Lifeline Tasmania had its busiest month ever in March and COVID-19 consequences contributed to that result in a major way. Read more here.

The Salvation Army is one of three organisations being funded to help people who need to self-isolate in Northern Tasmania. Read more here.

Richmond Health has launched a COVID-19 hotline for aged care residents. Learn more here.

Policing of compliance with Tasmania's coronavirus restrictions will be stepped up this weekend, with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter set to be deployed. Read more here.

About 60 staff at the North West Regional Hospital have been stood down as an investigation into a coronavirus outbreak at the facility continues. Read more here.

Four more people were diagnosed with COVID-19, all from the North West. Read more here.

The Tasmanian Parliament will be recalled to vote on a code of conduct for commercial tenancies during the COVID-19 outbreak. Read more here.

Ratepayers hit hard financially by coronavirus are being encouraged to contact their councils about potential assistance. Read more here.

Nine new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the state on Wednesday night, read more here.

A man in his 80s became the third Tasmanian to die from COVID-19. He was a passenger aboard the Ruby Princess, read more here.

From noon on Tuesday all Tasmanian hospitals and aged care facilities will be closed to visitors, Premier Peter Gutwein has announced.

"Unless it's a partner visiting at the birth of a child, unless it's a parent visiting a dependent child who is sick in hospital or for compassionate or end of life reasons," he said. Read more here.

Tasmania's tally rose to 89 with two more staff at the North-West Regional Hospital among the state's latest confirmed coronavirus cases.

Chief medical officer, Professor Tony Lawler, confirmed on Monday night they were among three new cases confirmed.

"This takes the number of staff who have tested positive for coronavirus in this outbreak to six. An inpatient has also previously tested positive," Professor Lawler said. Read more here.

Earlier in the day Premier Peter Gutwein confirmed two of Sunday's diagnosed cases were part of the North West Regional Hospital "cluster".

A North West Regional Hospital worker and a patient at the hospital tested positive for coronavirus.

They were included in the four new cases of COVID-19 diagnosed on Sunday. Read more here.

Retailers who are not enforcing social distancing measures will be shut down says Premier Peter Gutwein.

"If we don't get this right, if the rules aren't followed, then I will have no other option than to shut you down," he said.

"Going out and purchasing supplies is one thing, but going out and browsing and having a family outing is entirely another." Read more here.

Watch Premier Peter Gutwein's update on Monday morning here:

Tasmania's coronavirus tally rose to 86 with four new cases confirmed on Sunday.

One is associated with the Ruby Princess cruise ship, one is a contact of another case and two are from the North West. Read more here.

The government has announced the deferral of the Rosevears and Huon Legislative Council elections. They were scheduled for May 30, but the government now hopes to hold them before the LC sits again in August. It could be deferred again if circumstances require it.

Premier Peter Gutwein said he was 'very concerned' about residents in Launceston flouting social distancing rules. Read more here.

Two major wards at the North West Regional Hospital have been closed to new admissions following a coronavirus outbreak. Read more here.

In some good news, the Easter Bunny has been given an exemption to Tasmania's border restriction rules. Read more here.

Watch Premier Peter Gutwein and Attorney-General Elise Archer give Sunday's update:

A third health worker from the North West Regional Hospital has been infected with COVID-19. Read more here.

Jeremy Rockliff, Tasmania's Mental Health Minister and a former Lifeline counsellor, has urged people to seek support if the COVID-19 crisis is causing them distress. Read more here.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney has offered an assurance to Tasmania that every medical ward in the state has an adequate supply of personal protective equipment, despite reports to the contrary from frontline workers. Read more here.

The infection of two health workers in the North-West with COVID-19 is being flagged as a "very serious" incident by public health authorities.

The two new cases follow the diagnosis of a health worker at Mersey Community Hospital and could lead to an expansion in testing. Read more here.

Early childcare centres are still uncertain about how government changes allowing free childcare will work. Read more here.

Two health workers from the North West are among six new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Tasmania since 6 pm yesterday.

Chief medical officer Professor Tony Lawler said an investigation had begun to identify any person who had come into close contact with the workers. Read more here.

Home learning will continue for most students in term two this year.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said would begin on Tuesday April 28 to allow teachers to have a planning day on Monday April 27. Read more here.

UTAS will work with schools to make it possible for Year 12 students to attend university next year. Learn more here.

Testing criteria for COVID-19 in Devonport as been widened as Public Health continue to trace the contacts of two people infected with the virus. Read more here.

Three new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Tasmania since 6 pm last night.

One of the cases was employed by a tour company visited by an interstate pair who subsequently tested positive for the virus. Read more here.

Public Health director Dr Mark Veitch said the source of two COVID-19 cases at Devonport will remain unknown.

Health minister Sarah Courtney said another case had been confirmed overnight bringing the states total to 72. Read more here.

This afternoon Premier Peter Gutwein announced further restrictions aimed at increasing our chance to flatten the curve.

He said all racing events will be suspended immediately, with a decision on further retail restrictions expected on Friday. Read more here.

A woman in Launceston has become the second in the State to be charged with a coronavirus related offence. Find out more here.

Meanwhile the Australian Lawyers Alliance is calling for a moratorium on all drug related offences during this pandemic. Learn more here.

Two new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Tasmania bringing the state's tally to 71.

In a separate incident tourism and hospitality businesses have been contacted after two people who travelled to Tasmania last month tested positive to the virus. Read more here.

Yesterday was the first day in almost two weeks Tasmania did not record a positive case of COVID-19.

Premier Peter Gutwein said it was good news but reinforced the need for people to remain vigilant and follow the rules.

He said it appeared we were at the end of cruise ship and over seas travel related cases. Read more here.

The Australian Education Union's Tasmanian president said teachers were going above and beyond for students. Read more here.

Meanwhile St Vincent de Paul is calling for support so it can keep assisting people in need. Full story here.

Tasmania recorded its second death related to coronavirus.

Premier Peter Gutwein announced an elderly man died in the Royal Hobart Hospital on Monday night due to illness related to COVID-19.

"This is two deaths in Tasmania - two deaths too many," he said. Read more here.

On Tuesday night, Public Health director Mark Veitch released a statement to confirm that no new COVID-19 cases had been recorded in Tasmania, in a potentially promising sign of the state's capacity to 'flatten the curve'. Read more here.

Tonight, the Premier gave his second televised address to the state in little more than a week, imploring people not to get discouraged as they abided by physical distancing rules. Read more here.

Tasmania records its first coronavirus death, after a woman in her 80s passed away in the North-West Regional Hospital.

Premier Peter Gutwein the state's first death from the virus was confirmation people needed to understand their quarantine and social-distancing requirements. Read more here.

Three new cases of coronavirus were recorded in the state, bringing the state tally to 69 confirmed cases. Read more here.

Mr Gutwein said an order would be in place for four weeks for people to remain in their primary residence from midnight tonight. Read more here.

The Federal Government will spend $130 billion over the next six months to keep about six million Australians in jobs.

Designed to keep employees attached to their workplace even if a business goes into "hibernation," the JobKeeper payment will be a flat $1500 payment each fortnight, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. Read more here.

FIFO workers in Tasmania who are not classified as "essential travellers" will be quarantined in a government-run facility for 14 days when they return to the state.

Any non-essential travellers arriving in Tasmania after midnight on Sunday March 29 are required to isolate for 14 days in a hotel operated by the government. Read more here.

Cases in Tasmania continue to increase due to cruise ship passengers, bringing the state total to 66. Read more here.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a number of new measures, limiting outside meetings to no more than two people and a nationwide moratorium against forced-evictions. Read more here.

The government also unveiled its new app to provide the public with as much up-to-date information as possible. Read more here.

Premier Peter Gutwein said "people will die" from coronavirus in Tasmania, and further action will be taken alongside the National Cabinet in response to case increases. Read more here.

Many backpackers choosing to stay in Tasmania have taken up seasonal work to support themselves. Read more here.

A sex shop owner in Devonport said their business should be considered essential and shouldn't be closed. Read more here.

Tasmania's coronavirus tally has risen above 60 as three new cases are confirmed. Read more here.

All arrivals travelling returning to Tasmania for any reason classified as non-essential will be quarantined in government-run isolation from midnight on Sunday. Premier Peter Gutwein said the measures were the toughest in the country. Read more here.

Authorities are investigating the how a health worker at the Mersey Community Hospital on the North-West caught the coronavirus. Story here.

A Devonport woman has been charged with stealing hand sanitiser from a hospital. Read more here.

The Kings Meadows Family Doctor Service has stopped charging patients after a surge in people coming in who had lost their jobs. Read more here.

Unions and Labor are pushing the state government to lobby for wage subsidies for laid-off workers, as has been put in place in other Western countries. Read more here.

A health worker is among 11 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed today as Tasmania records it's largest spike in daily cases. Read more here.

Parents have been advised to keep their children home from school "where possible" by Premier Peter Gutwein. Read the full story here.

The state government has announced an injection of funds into creative industries struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Find out more here.

Aurora Energy has outlined a support package its offering customers affected by COVID-19. Read more here.

Five new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Tasmania. Read more here.

A second stimulus package will bring Tasmania's response to the coronavirus crisis to almost $1 billion. Premier Peter Gutwein said the package had four elements: health, business, households and individuals, and the community. Read more here.

Mr Gutwein has also given a clear message to people looking to visit Tasmania: "don't come". Read more here.

It's estimated 22,000 Tasmanians could have lost their jobs during the past week because of coronavirus. Read their stories from Centrelink line here.

Australia's coronavirus death toll reached 11 after two Victorians died overnight. Read more here.

All TasWater customers will receive a price freeze from July 1 this year. Read more here.

Coronavirus safety measures will speed up the sharp decline in the use of cash, economist Saul Eslake and bank boss Paul Ranson believe. Find out why here.

Coronavirus-driven sharemarket volatility has delayed a massive merger involving Tasmania's biggest superannuation fund. Learn more here.

The inaugural VINTAGE: TAMAR wine festival has been postponed to conform with health advice. Read more here.

We're looking for businesses doing takeaways, delivery, or otherwise staying open. Let us know so we can tell our readers by following this link.

Tasmania's number of coronavirus cases has reached 42, with six more cases confirmed on Wednesday.

Public Director of Health Mark Veitch said one case was in close contact with a previously confirmed case. Read more here.

LATEST FROM THE PREMIER

Premier Peter Gutwein made a number of clarifications around self-isolation this morning. Read the full story here, but the key takeaways are below:

There will be four pupil-free days in Tasmania to allow teachers to prepare for online learning. Story here.

Incredibly, protective equipment such as masks, gowns and gloves have been stolen from Tasmanian hospitals. Read more here.

Federal Group has reconsidered its decision to stand down 1500 workers, with a final decision expected Friday. Read more here.

The Derby Mountain Bike Trails are the latest attraction to close.

Yesterday, the Premier confirmed non-essential travellers will be turned away from the Spirit of Tasmania. More here.

MORE CONFIRMED CASES

There are now 36 confirmed coronavirus cases in the state. On Friday, there were 10.

Nationally, the Prime Minister announced further restrictions on movement last night, including on weddings and funerals. Read here.

Despite tens of thousands losing their jobs overnight, Tasmanians are unable to complete Centrelink applications online, over the phone, or in person. Story here.

Authorities are working to increase the amount of ventilators, masks which help people to breathe in hospitals. There are currently 2300 ventilators in Intensive Care Units in the country. Story here.

We're bringing you the stories of individual Tasmanians among the millions affected by the Covid-19 crisis. Here's the hairdresser who is furious after a man who was supposed to be in self-isolation put her life as risk by coming in for a haircut. And here's the man stuck in Tasmania after he flew down for his father's funeral - which he couldn't attend.

The state government has freed up $3.2 billion ahead of the budget, which has been delayed until at least October. Story here.

The number of confirmed cases in Tasmania rose to 36 after eight more people were diagnosed with coronavirus. Read more here.

Across Australia the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus has jumped to 2,136 and the death toll has reached eight.

A group of Northern Tasmanian doctors have written an open letter to the Premier asking for stricter measures, including shutting schools, enforcing quarantine in hotels, and widespread testing. Story here.

A Tasmanian MP is in self-isolation after her staffer returned from Queensland. The staffer had been in close contact with someone who has since tested positive. Read more here.

Religious organisations are putting plans in motion to continue serving their communities, after places of worship were ordered to close. Story here.

There are changes to coronavirus testing in Tasmania: a drive-through clinic will be set up in Launceston, and GPs are now able to refer patients for a test directly. Story here.

Tasmanian athletes have welcomed the IOC's decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics this year. "At the end of the day it's just sport. It's hardly a debate when people are losing their lives," said star cyclist Richie Porte. Story here.

Up to 22,000 Tasmanian jobs could go after the federal government's social distancing measures are in place. Story here.

Today is the last sitting day of state parliament for the indefinite future. Urgent coronavirus legislation will be passed without any expected opposition, and Labor will also attempt to ban forced evictions during the crisis. Story here.

Some good news: Panic buying at big supermarket chains has led to a renewed appreciation for the personalised service small local businesses can offer, a butcher says. Story here.

Globally, WHO says the spread of coronavirus is accelerating. It took 67 days from the first reported case to reach the first 100,000 cases, 11 days for the second 100,000 cases and just 4 days for the third 100,000 cases. And the UK has gone into lockdown. Story here.

In the North-East, demand for some Dorset Community House services has doubled. Read here.

Tasmania's number of coronavirus cases jumped by six to take the state's tally of confirmed cases to 28. Read more here.

Most Australian states introduced border control measures yesterday as the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia rose to more than 1300.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced last night the forced closure of pubs, clubs, places of worship and gyms from 12 pm today but said schools with remain open. Read more here.

He also announced a second stimulus package which could see people on Newstart receive double what they are normally paid. Read more here.

Premier Peter Gutwein urged businesses affected by the new restrictions to abide by the rules this morning.

He said schools will remain open for now. Read more here.

Federal Group has stood down 1500 Tasmanian's from their jobs as the company responds to new government restrictions. Read more here.

Here are some practical things to do when you start to feel down while self-isolating.

Watch the Premier's press conference here:

TASMANIA'S CASES:

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus jumped to 22 after five more people were diagnosed with the virus on Sunday.

All the five latest cases had recently returned to Tasmania from overseas. Three of the cases had travelled on cruise ships this month. Read more here.

Tests for coronavirus will not be carried out on all Tasmanians who got off a cruise ship in Sydney last week, Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch has confirmed. Read more here.

Prisoners at high risk of contracting coronavirus in Tasmania are being denied access to hand sanitiser, a prominent Barrister and advocate claims. Read more here.

Five more people in Tasmania were diagnosed with coronavirus on Saturday, taking the state's total to 16 confirmed cases.

A woman and two men who travelled on the Ruby Princess cruise ship and another woman and man who travelled together in Europe. Read more here.

Visits to Tasmanian prisons will be temporarily suspended from this weekend and the state's budget will be delayed until at least October, Premier Peter Gutwein confirmed on Saturday.

Mr Gutwein's announcement came after a woman in Southern Tasmania was diagnosed with coronavirus on Friday. Read more here.

Launceston artists are looking to the internet to reach their audience: theatre group IO Performance is starting a weekly eight-part streaming episode of original theatre, dance, and performance art; and the Breath of Fresh Air film festival is exploring an online festival on the same dates in May. More details here.

Flinders and King islands seem to be coronavirus-free, but the councils are taking different approaches to visitation from Tasmania. King is encouraging it, Flinders is considering taking steps to limit it. Story here.

Another unfortunate symptom of the coronavirus: racism. Physical and verbal incidents have been reported against Chinese people in Hobart. Read about it here.

Not sure if you'll keep receiving a child care subsidy if you keep your child home during the pandemic? All the information here.

Want fresh Tasmanian produce delivered while you're at home? The services doing that are listed here.

And if you can, why don't you think about adopting a healthcare worker?

A Tasmanian woman has tested positive to coronavirus in Sydney after arriving back on cruise ship, the Ruby Princess.

She was one of 54 Tasmanians on board the ship, with another person in isolation in Tasmania suffering a respiratory condition. Read more here.

CONFIRMED TASMANIAN CASES STILL AT 10

The number of confirmed cases in Tasmania remains at 10, with three having recovered.

Interstate travellers to Tasmania will be required to self isolate for a period of 14 days upon entering Tasmania after Premier Peter Gutwein announced a state of emergency yesterday. Read more here.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the Federal government did not advise against Tasmania's tougher border protection measures.

He said spot checks will be carried out on people who arrive after midnight to ensure they are self-quarantined. Read more here.

Public Health director Mark Veitch said over 800 coronavirus tests have been carried out in Tasmania.

Watch the Premier's press conference here:

TASMANIA'S CASES:

ACTION URGED:

The Greens have continued to call on the state government to close schools as the state steps up its response to coronavirus. Read more here.

Hospitality businesses in Launceston are imploring people to support their local businesses. Read more here.

Fly-in fly-out workers returning from interstate will have to go into quarantine for the time they are home but Federal MPs and key specialists won't. Read more here.

Tasmania's confirmed cases of the coronavirus rose to 10 last night after three more people were tested positive.

Three of the 10 cases have recovered.

The three new cases all travelled to Tasmania from overseas - one from the UK, and two who travelled together in Europe.

They arrived in Tasmania on March 15 and all three self-isolated. More details here.

Watch director of public health Dr. Mark Veitch discuss the cases:

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED, SELF-ISOLATION MEASURES BROUGHT IN:

Premier Peter Gutwein has announced a state of emergency for Tasmania and measures for self-isolation for arrivals into the state, including from interstate. Read more here.

Watch the Premier's press conference here:

LATEST MEASURES:

Funerals in Tasmania may need to be live streamed in order to maintain social distancing. Read more here.

Tasmanian jury trials will be delayed until at least July. More details here.

The nurses' union has put its support behind school closures, rejecting claims that it could force nurses to stay home. Read more here.

The University of Tasmania has given students until Friday to decide if they would like to proceed with their courses online. Full story here.

Event cancellations: Check out a complete list of Northern Tasmania events impacted by COVID-19

Tasmania's confirmed cases of the coronavirus rose to 10 - eight in Hobart, two in Launceston.

In the state's south three people tested position, a woman and two men all in their 40s. They were believed to have recently arrived from overseas and are not connected to any previously confirmed cases in the state.

As of 2pm Wednesday: Australia has 539 confirmed cases, with six deaths and 23 recoveries. Around the world, there have been 197,146 cases with 7905 deaths and 80,840 recoveries.

Think you have coronavirus in Tasmania? Here are the measures to take.

Director of public health Mark Veitch has reiterated the view that school closures would not be an effective measure at this time. Read more here.

Watch the latest update on coronavirus here:

Premier Peter Gutwein yesterday declared a public health emergency for Tasmania. Read about what that means here.

The government also announced a stimulus package. Read more here.

Almost all events in Tasmania are being cancelled or postponed, including Agfest, with organisers announcing this morning the cancellation of the 2020 event. Read more here.

Harvest Launceston has also been cancelled, but the board of management is investigating whether a home delivery service could be possible to ensure locals have access to fresh produce. Read more here.

Hobart's Salamanca Market has also been cancelled for two weeks, it will be closed on Saturday March 21 and 28. Read more here.

Complete guide: The events cancelled and postponed in Northern Tasmania

ACTION URGED:

Tasmanian doctors are becoming increasingly concerned at responses to the spread of COVID-19.

A Launceston General Hospital specialist has called on the government to consider closing airports. Read more here.

A doctor is urging lockdowns of aged care homes, including Aldersgate at Newnham. More details here.

A Southern doctors claimed the government is intentionally avoiding testing in order to keep numbers down. Read more here.

STIMULUS PACKAGE:

Tasmanians required to self-isolate will be provided cash payments as part of the state government's $420 million stimulus package.

Premier Peter Gutwein announced the package this afternoon, including waiving payroll tax for the last four months for hospitality, tourism and seafood business.

For more details, click here.

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY:

Premier Peter Gutwein will declare a public health emergency today, providing the director of public health the power to quarantine, isolate or evacuate people.

Read more about what that means here.

Tasmania remains on seven confirmed cases of the coronavirus, none of which have been deemed community transmission.

Five were in Hobart, two were in Launceston.

LATEST PRECAUTIONS:

The Examiner has joined all Australian Community Media newspapers in having staff working from home as a vital way of social distancing. Read more here.

The Northern Tasmanian Football Association has followed the TSL and NAB Leagues in postponing the start of the season. Read more here.

The Launceston Aquatic and Leisure Centre and Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery will close from Wednesday, with the decision to be reviewed in two weeks. Council is also moving to a larger venue for its Thursday meeting to allow for social distancing. Read the full story here.

Design Tasmania is also closed, and Breath of Fresh Air film festival is cancelled.

Event cancellations: Check out a complete list of Northern Tasmania events impacted by COVID-19

Casual workers fear that government support announced last week will be nowhere near enough to cover living costs as business shutdowns approach. More details here.

Tasmania's director of public health Mark Veitch says school closures is unlikely to be the most effective way of preventing community transmission of coronavirus. Read more here.

But parents will not be fined for voluntarily taking their children out of school during the pandemic. Read more here.

Unions have also said that any school closures must be accompanied by some form of childcare for parents who are also critical workers, like nurses, prison workers and border security. Story here.

The government was questioned extensively in Parliament this morning about whether schools should be closed. Read about the debate here.

Federal Group has announced it will shut down every second poker machine as a social distancing measure. Read more here.

The Anglican Church of Tasmania has announced plans to cancel all services and limit gatherings to a maximum of 10 people. Story here.

After cancelling Anzac Day services, RSL Tasmania has announced plans to provide a live stream for April 25. Read more here.

SEVENTH CORONAVIRUS CASE:

Tasmania has recorded its seventh positive test for coronavirus.

A woman in her 50s is in a stable condition in isolation. She had spent 24 hours on a yacht with a person who had arrived in Tasmania with coronavirus, however Public Health is not considering this a case of community transmission.

Read more here.

Watch Premier Peter Gutwein address the media on Monday morning regarding COVID-19:

UNIVERSITY CHANGES:

The University of Tasmania has announced that it will be transitioning to online classes this week.

The directive was detailed in an email to staff and students this morning.

More details here.

LATEST SCHOOL ADVICE:

The Tasmanian government has asked schools to cancel assemblies, excursions, travel and any events that attract large gatherings.

It comes after Scotch Oakburn College announced the cancellation of classes for two weeks.

Read more on the latest advice for schools here.

Launceston Grammar has also introduced self-isolation measures for staff, students and families. More details here.

CORONAVIRUS TESTING:

The federal Department of Health says only those who have returned from overseas or have been in close contact with confirmed cases will be eligible for coronavirus testing at this time.

Read more about their response to testing shortages here.

Read the latest advice for anyone in Launceston who fears they may have coronavirus here.

ARRIVALS FROM OVERSEAS:

The Tasmanian Government has announced the introduction of an arrival card for international travellers and Tasmanians arriving home after being overseas. Read more about the measure here.

NORTHERN TASMANIAN EVENTS:

For a complete guide of local events that have been cancelled, postponed, going ahead or waiting for more advice, click here.

OTHER IMPLICATIONS ANNOUNCED:

All Anzac Day services run through RSL Tasmania have been cancelled in order to protect older Tasmanians from the coronavirus. Read more here.

Consideration is also being given to the upcoming Legislative Council elections for Rosevears and Huon. Read about the possible implications here.

SCHOOL CLOSURE:

Scotch Oakburn College has become Tasmania's first school to cancel classes over coronavirus fears.

Read more here.

SIXTH CORONAVIRUS CASE:

A 60-year-old woman has tested positive for coronavirus in Hobart.

The case occurred following close-contact with an infected person who they had travelled overseas with. It means there has yet to be confirmed community transmission of the virus in Tasmania.

Read more here.

Advice: What to do if you believe you have coronavirus in Tasmania

Health Minister Sarah Courtney and Premier Peter Gutwein provided further updates this morning, and also raised the possibility of delaying elective surgeries in anticipation for greater demand on the health system.

Read more about the potential impact on elective surgeries here.

LATEST RESPONSES TO CORONAVIRUS:

Cruise ships have also been banned from docking in Tasmania until July 1. Read more about it here.

The state government is also considering stricter border controls for Tasmania. More details here.

As of 5pm Sunday, there had been 359 coronavirus tests in Tasmania, with six people testing positive. Four remain in hospital, one is in isolation and one has recovered and been released.

The Supreme Court of Tasmania will continue to hold jury trials, but the operations of courts us under review. Full story here.

LATEST ADVICE FOR LAUNCESTON:

Think you might have coronavirus? We have compiled the steps to take in Launceston and Northern Tasmania to get tested.

Click here to read the latest information based on Premier Peter Gutwein's advice.

FIFTH CORONAVIRUS CASE:

Tasmania's fifth confirmed case of the coronavirus is a man in his 60s who had travelled in Canada and the United States before falling ill in Hobart.

He was admitted to the Royal Hobart Hospital on Friday and tested positive to COVID-19. Read more about the latest confirmed case here.

It is the third confirmed case for Hobart, with the other two in Launceston.

Premier Peter Gutwein confirmed that it was not a case of community transmission.

He said schools would remain open, as the government has not received any contrary advice.

Mr Gutwein came in close contact with Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday during a Council of Australian Governments meeting. Mr Morrison had been in close contact with Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, who has tested positive to coronavirus.

Mr Gutwein said he had not received advice that he needed to be tested for the coronavirus.

A cruise ship in Hobart was also prevented from disembarking due to coronavirus fears on Saturday. Read more here.

SCHOOLS:

The state government has not received advice schools will need to close due to the coronavirus, but is "preparing for all eventualities", according to the Premier. Read more here.

EVENT CANCELLATIONS:

Ahead of a stimulus package announcement expected Tuesday, Premier Peter Gutwein said the government would work with groups that had to cancel events after the federal government announced all mass public gatherings above 500 people should cease.

Relay for Life, planned for the Northern Athletics Centre on Saturday, has been cancelled.

Children's disability fundraiser the Balfour Burn has also been cancelled for next weekend.

The Easter Niche and Harmony markets planned for March 27 and April 4 have been cancelled.

Read more on this week's cancellations here.

The Flinders Island Food and Crayfish Festival will no longer go ahead. It was planned for April 15 to 19. Read more about the cancellation here.

A planned jazz workshop with Sandy Evens, planned for March 19 and 21, has been cancelled and will be rescheduled "as soon as practicable". Ticket holders will be contacted and refunded.

All upcoming performances of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra are on hold until further notice. The orchestra will continue rehearsing and performing for digital content, to be uploaded daily on their website, Facebook, and YouTube. The TSO Box Office will contact ticket holders to discuss options.

The National Netball Championships have been cancelled. They were planned to occur in Hobart from April 18 to 23.

EVENTS STILL GOING AHEAD:

For a summary of upcoming arts events cancellations and changes, click here.

TT-Line has confirmed that the Spirit of Tasmania will continue to operate as normal. Read more here.

Harvest Launceston went ahead on Saturday morning, with attendees asked to keep a 1.5-metre social distance and to refrain from handling food items.

LINKS FOR NORTHERN TASMANIA:

NATIONALLY:

On Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that events with more than 500 attendees would be cancelled from Monday.

Coronavirus cases spiked in NSW on Thursday night with 12 new cases confirmed, bringing the national total to almost 150.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton was confirmed to have caught the coronavirus, testing positive on Friday.

PREMIER'S HEALTH:

The Premier has not been tested for coronavirus, after being in meetings with the Prime Minister who has been in meetings with infected Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.

A Launceston woman who had to be quarantined for 29 days after coming into contact with coronavirus-infected people a on cruise ship said the government had one rule for itself and one rule for everyone else.

Story here.

OGILVIE CALLS FOR BORDER TESTING:

Independent state MHA Madeleine Ogilvie has called for all arrivals to Tasmania to be tested, following New Zealand's announcement it will tighten restrictions at its borders. Read more here.

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