Mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for Tasmanian aged care workers will be enforced within a month, with a Public Health direction to facilitate the roll-out now signed by the state government.
The direction states that from September 17, people employed, engaged, or undertaking placement or work experience with a residential age care facility will not be permitted to enter the premises of that facility until the person is "sufficiently vaccinated" against COVID-19.
A statement from Premier Peter Gutwein and Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff said aged care workers must have received at least one dose of vaccine and made a booking for their second, or at least have booked for their first dose - from September 17.
"Exemptions will apply for anyone unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 due to medical conditions, or for those who are ineligible to be vaccinated due to age," they said.
"The obligation is on the owner or operator of the facility to keep records of all workers sufficiently vaccinated and those who are exempt from the requirement to be sufficiently vaccinated."
The announcement comes after Mr Gutwein said the Health Department would embark on a six-week vaccination blitz to boost vaccination levels past 60 per cent by mid-September.
"While we have the protection of our borders, we want to get on and vaccinate as quickly as we can," Mr Gutwein previously said.
Vaccinations will also be extended to college students - those aged 16 to 18 years old - from August 23, and state vaccinations clinics will open for longer to target 30 to 59 year olds.
Pharmacies have also been brought into the vaccination program.
Dana Anderson
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
