Tasmanians' health and safety is my first and foremost priority.
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Right now, the situation in Victoria is challenging, with cases continuing to escalate and millions of people back in lockdown as they stay home, to save lives.
To all Victorians, my thoughts are with you at this time.
We know from our own experience here in Tasmania that limiting people movement, limits the virus' movement.
It's why I think it's only sensible we take some time to appropriately assess what is occurring in other jurisdictions, before we lock in a date to relax our border restrictions.
We will continue to review the national situation on a daily and weekly basis to see if the situation in Victoria has a broader impact on the other states and territories.
In other news:
- Coronavirus survivor Naida Jillett, 73, donates plasma for national treatment trial
- Tasmania delays decision on borders reopening until July 31
- Tasmanian elective surgery waiting lists at 'all time high' pre-COVID restrictions
- Unfair dismissal case against Senator Jacqui Lambie to recommence in September
An update on our plans will be provided on July 24, with our border restrictions to remain in place until at least July 31.
We have continued to take Public Health advice at every step of the way and I want to thank [Director of Public Health] Dr Mark Veitch and his team for continuing to provide the advice that has helped steer our state through this pandemic.
We will continue to make decisions, regardless of how difficult they are that are in the best interest of Tasmanians' health and safety.
There is a long journey to go, but if we remain on a sensible and responsible path forward we will be in a stronger position to respond rapidly to what continues to be an evolving situation.
I encourage all Tasmanians to keep getting out and about, supporting our local industries - buy local and enjoy local.
We really do have the best to offer right here at home.
I know this may be tough news for those in our tourism and hospitality sector, and we will continue to work with those businesses most impacted.
However, when there remains so much uncertainty with the Victorian outbreak and potential spread through people movement in other states, we simply can't put Tasmanian lives at risk.
Please don't forget the very important safeguards we have in place, maintain your social distance, observe the rules, practice good hygiene and get a test if you're unwell.
It will help to keep us safe and healthy.
- Peter Gutwein is Premier of Tasmania.