The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians remains our number one priority as we continue to face the challenges of coronavirus.

Today we have extended Tasmania’s State of Emergency until 31 August.

This aligns with the Public Health Emergency Declaration, which has already been put in place until 31 August.

The directions issued under the Public Health Act have worked effectively to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in Tasmania, and have complemented directions made by the State Controller to exercise emergency powers, as well as special emergency powers, during this state of emergency.

In light of the escalating situation in Victoria and the need to have appropriate response protocols in place in Tasmania, it is appropriate we extend emergency powers.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the outstanding efforts of our State Controller Darren Hine and Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch and their teams who have worked tirelessly to support Tasmania’s response to COVID-19.

I want to reassure Tasmanians that we are doing everything we can to protect our state against a second wave which is why we announced strict restrictions against Victorians entering our state and stronger quarantine measures for returning Tasmanian travellers from Victoria.

Tomorrow, following National Cabinet, I will confirm our position on our borders, and while we have ruled out opening our borders with Victoria, we are exploring options of safe transit to other states, and the appropriate time to enable this to happen.