With every update from a politician, health professional or expert in the field, the word will undoubtedly roll off the tongue - often more than once. But how else could we describe the situation currently facing us.

Yes, the world has faced and overcome pandemics before. But the scale and widespread challenges the coronavirus war is bringing with it are unrivaled. Tasmania is no exception.

There will be many victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from physical deaths, the financial, emotional and mental impacts will be far-reaching. Many are already being realised.

For families, for the people who find themselves alone and for the many business owners forced to close their doors. No one is immune.

The government, to its credit, have been proactive in many elements of its response. Both on a federal and state level, there has never been a more important time for true leadership.

More recently that attention has turned to ensuring those working on the frontline are protected and resources are properly secured. Our health professionals are, after all, the ones who are the most in need at the moment, and also the most at risk.

News that a further two healthcare workers in the state's North-West had been infected with COVID-19 on Friday was concerning to say the least.

Last week an emergency department worker at the Mersey Community Hospital was also diagnosed, as was the state's first coronavirus-related death.

While Public Health continues to investigate the source of these infections, the ongoing safety of patients and hospital staff statewide must remain a priority.

On Saturday Health Minister Sarah Courtney made assurances that every single ward in Tasmania had enough personal protective equipment.

She also confirmed there was an additional 20,000 litres of hospital-grade sanitiser set to arrive in Tasmania in the coming week, as well as other PPE.

Across the state, including the Launceston General Hospital, telehealth capabilities are being expanded to further ensure unnecessary visits to hospital are avoided, where possible.

Only time will tell to see if these measures will be enough. But what is certain is that our health system has never been faced with such an "unprecedented" challenge.

Our health workers have also never been so important. We must continue to do everything we can to protect and support them.