As Victoria enters its fourth lockdown, Tasmania has again made good use of its moats - banning visitors from the COVID-troubled state from 2pm on Thursday afternoon.
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The announcement was made at midday, causing chaos and uncertainty for travellers - with at least one flight into both Launceston and Hobart cancelled that afternoon.
Premier Peter Gutwein said it was important for the state to act fast to protect Tasmanians.
"In response, we'll be declaring all of Victoria a high-risk location," he said.
"You can't travel to Tasmania if you've spent time in Victoria in the past 14 days, unless you've been approved as an essential traveller by the Deputy State Controller.
"The current Tas e-Travel pass will be cancelled ... anyone wishing to enter will need to reapply through the G2G system and seek an exemption."
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The move affecting not just potential tourists but Tasmanian residents.
"Tasmanian residents who are in Victoria at the moment can apply for essential travel status to return home, but if approved will be required to quarantine at a suitable premises on arrival for 14 days," he said.
"If they don't have a suitable premise, they will be required to quarantine in government designated accommodation at their own cost".
Those already in the state are urged to self-isolate immediately if they have any symptoms, and to regularly check the coronavirus.tas.gov.au website for an updated list of high-risk premises.
Mr Gutwein confirmed this would not affect people transitting through Victoria to enter the state - such as those using Melbourne Airport or who had to drive through the state to get to the Spirit of Tasmania.
"In terms of the Spirit we've been here before - if you are transiting through Victoria from southern New South Wales or out of South Australia, you can travel directly to the Spirit terminal, stopping for fuel but you shouldn't spend time doing any other activity," he said.
"In terms of Tullamarine, that has always remained a transit hub right through this process from day one, and that will remain.
Mr Gutwein did not give a timeline for the lifting of the border ban for Victorians, but remained hopeful it would be sooner rather than later.
"We will follow the seven day period that Victoria have outlined, and obviously we will provide updates as we work our way through this," he said.
"One would hope over the seven days they can get on top of this then we can return to normal post this, but we will refer to Public Health advice."
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