Coronavirus: Tasmania and ACT record first deaths
Tasmanian and the ACT have recorded their first coronavirus deaths after 80-year-old women died in each of the two jurisdictions.
The two deaths brings the country’s coronavirus death toll to 18, with more than 4,000 people being diagnosed with the virus.
Tasmania Premier Peter Gutwein confirmed on Monday morning a woman had died in the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. They're being provided the support and care they need at this time," he told reporters.
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Woman, 80, dies in Canberra Hospital
ACT Chief Health Officer Kerryn Coleman says a woman died on the weekend in Canberra Hospital.
Dr Coleman warned the elderly were at an increased risk from the virus.
"It is why we need everyone to take the social distancing measures we are implementing seriously," she said on Monday afternoon.
The territory's Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the woman had a pre-existing health condition, but wouldn't elaborate for privacy reasons.
Canberra has had a total of 78 confirmed cases, with the latest on Monday being a woman in her 30s who caught the virus overseas.
On Sunday, Scott Morrison announced a strict gathering limit of two people.
Following the leads of NSW, QLD and VIC, Premier Gutwein said on Monday morning Tasmania will enforce the new rule as of midnight tonight.
“These are tough measures but they are done with Tasmanian’s health, wellbeing and safety as our top priority,” he said.
Tasmania to implement on-the-spot fines
Mr Gutwein said anyone who disobeys the two-person-in-public rule will be committing an offence.
People have been ordered to stay home unless they are going to work, school, getting essential supplies or medical supplies, providing compassionate care or exercising.
"Our police will ensure that they enforce this. You will be able to be arrested. You will be charged and summonsed," Mr Gutwein said.
"I have the department at the moment looking at a range of on-the-spot fines."
He said the order will be in place for four weeks, and reviewed after that.
There are seven people in coronavirus quarantine within the state.
Four new confirmed cases on Sunday brought the state’s virus toll to 66.
The new cases are reportedly related to passengers from the Ovation of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas cruise ships.
with AAP
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