TASMANIA’S borders reopen today after the Covid pandemic led to tough restrictions which prevented many from being able to travel to and from the State.

With Tasmania’s vaccination program on track, Premier Peter Gutwein confirmed the drawbridge that has kept Tasmania relatively Covid free would be lowered.

As it currently stands, 95 per cent of Tasmanians over 16 have had at least one dose and 89 per cent are now fully vaccinated.

For Tasmanians aged 12 and over, 93 per cent have had at least one dose and 87 per cent are fully vaccinated.

This means Tasmania has now passed NSW and Victoria to have the second highest first-dose vaccination rate in Australia, just behind the ACT.

Premier Peter Gutwein congratulated Tasmanians on rolling up their sleeves.

“This is a fantastic effort and a credit to all Tasmanians who have gotten vaccinated – but we are not there yet – and we continue to urge Tasmanians to keep turning up to vaccination appointments for either your first or second dose,’’ Mr Gutwein said.

He recently announced changes to protocols for Tasmanians and visitors entering the state.

“The system will require travellers entering our state from December 15 to confirm that they are fully vaccinated and have a negative Covid-19 test if from a higher-risk area,’’ Mr Gutwein said.
“I can confirm that there is a change to the testing protocol in relation to Tasmanian travellers that fly out of the state into a high-risk areas and then return to Tasmania in a short period of time.
“All Tasmanians who travel to high-risk areas will be required to have a Covid-19 test, regardless of how little time they have spent there. That test will be done on return.”

“This will cover off Tasmanians who travel for any time up to seven days, whether that’s for a business meeting, a few days or overnight, you’ll be required to have that test on return and isolate until they receive those results.’’

He said for Tasmanians travelling interstate for more than seven days, a Covid test was required 72 hours before coming to the state.

“Unvaccinated travellers who don’t have a medical exemption will be required to quarantine and be tested and be managed by Public Health, in terms of when they will be released into our community,’’ he said.

*Photo Credit – Tourism Tasmania and Geoffrey Lea*