A very common theme via letters to the editor and social media channels for The Examiner is the fear that Tasmania will be forced backwards. It's a real and valid concern. After months of hard work, social isolation, incomes loss, schools closed and community services restricted, we could see the light. While we were never going back to normal (that ship has sailed), we had the opportunity to create a new and fairly safe normal.

To completely minimise our risk of a second coronavirus outbreak we would need to keep borders closed until a vaccine is created. However, this is simply not sustainable for the medium and long-term future of Tasmania.

Our economy needs to be triaged the same way our health has been triaged throughout this pandemic. But the situation in Victoria and the rapid rise in cases has raised an alarm for everyone.

Arguably, the Victorian response has been far from perfect and there will be a lot to learn from this. But in saying so, Tassie has already had a similar situation with the Burnie and the greater North-West shut down due to fears of an escalating community transmission. That response was swift, tough and it worked.

What is known for sure now is that we are not immune to coronavirus. When the borders open it's very likely we will start to record cases. But it's the process we have in place to quickly identify, track and respond effectively that will be the difference between "spot fires" and "hot spots" similar to Victoria.

The continuance of the state of emergency is an appropriate tool to ensure swift action can take place if necessary. This is yet another stage of the unknown we are moving towards. We are all in this together as we do our best to ensure the prosperity and health of our state and Tasmanians.