Considering everything that has already occurred it seems almost miraculous that the AFL was able to pull off a grand final on Saturday - even if it wasn't at the MCG.

But with summer ahead of us, questions still remain around what - what is usually one of the biggest seasons for events and travel in Tasmania - will actually look like.

When COVID-19 first reached Australian shores earlier this year, Tasmania like most states and territories, was quickly met with an onslaught of event cancellations.

It was hard to keep up, so much so that The Examiner's regular 'what's on' guide quickly transformed into 'what's not on'.

Now we are seeing somewhat of a light at the end of a very long tunnel, with a slow, but steady resurgence of things to do. But what about the organisers trying to plan ahead, with major events often requiring months, sometimes years of planning?

On Friday Premier Peter Gutwein unveiled a new framework to help make Tasmanian events viable into the future. Set to come into effect on December 1, the framework applies to events where patron attendance exceeds current gathering restrictions.

Events will not be able to continue as they have in past - they must be conducted in a COVID-safe way.

This might not be the easiest, or the most practical option, but it is the reality we are now faced with. Still, at least with a framework in place, event organisers can now move forward with some sense of security and guidance.

However, doubts still remain, with most of Tasmania's signature summer events having already pulled the pin. This includes the likes of Falls Festival, Dark Mofo, Festivale and the Taste of Tasmania.

Labor leader Rebecca White was quick to point out that for many, the framework has come too late in the season for those who have already cancelled. For them, it's simply too late to reverse this decision. For others, including those already looking at ways of scaling back operations, this plan might present some new opportunities to satisfy the needs of event-hungry patrons.

Because from Monday, things will undoubtedly continue to change in Tasmania. As borders start to reopen, the next few months will be make or break for many businesses - particularly those in the tourism sector. There is also a lot still riding on when we will be able to welcome visitors from Victoria and NSW.

Balancing public health while managing the state's economy has been a juggling act in 2020. There's no doubt there are many more challenges to come - including the inevitability of more COVID-19 cases.

Moving forward, it remains vital that we continue to stay balanced. But we also can't afford to sit still.

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