We have so far managed to avoid an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta strain of COVID-19.

Some would say it has been more good luck than good management, particularly after one person who tested positive did make it into the state and left again before their test was returned.

However, the response to that potential case was quick and the fact that man was quarantined is a pretty good indication that the current system works.

And on Friday Premier Peter Gutwein revealed the state's plan if we do face an outbreak.

It is something that many, including the peak business body the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have been calling for consistently over weeks.

TCCI chief executive Michael Bailey was advocating a publicly-available guide, particularly detailing business shut downs and the road to recovery.

He argues that if there is a case, or cases, then people will know what is expected from them and will be able to react.

Promoting the plan to the bulk of Tasmanians will give the state a chance to react quickly, and go into a statewide or partial lockdown quickly.

This should give us the best chance of containment.

It's obvious from the dire situation which grips New South Wales that delaying your response is the worst thing you can do.

Given the pressure already on our state's health system, a prolonged and extensive outbreak in Tasmania must be avoided at all costs.

The Gutwein government appears to have learned early on in the pandemic what we face if COVID-19 gets out of control.

They have shown that they will act decisively to avoid ending up in a situation similar to that faced by the North-West.

But having a well understood and public plan should there be an outbreak is a step in the right direction, and should help to mean it can be short and sharp, and we would all hope not needed.