Premier flags four-stage process to removing lockdown restrictions

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With no new confirmed cases of coronavirus reported in three days in Tasmania, Premier Peter Gutwein has revealed the island state will see easing restrictions in the coming weeks.

Speaking to reporters on Monday morning, Mr Gutwein encouraged the public to continue abiding by state-wide restrictions, in anticipation of Friday’s unveiling of a ‘road map’ out of lockdown, based on public health advice.

While the plans to ease restrictions will be revealed on Friday, Mr Gutwein has given an insight in to what the next few weeks will allow.

Specific restrictions for the state’s northwest were lifted on Monday, however, all remaining state-wide restrictions will remain until Friday May 15.

Additional restrictions were placed on the northwest of the state after a deadly outbreak of the disease was discovered, resulting in the closing of two hospitals in Burnie last month and thousands of healthcare staff forced to quarantine.

Of Tasmania’s 13 COVID-19 deaths, 12 were in the northwest part of the state, as are nearly two-thirds of the state’s cases.

The lifting of restrictions in the area means schools and big retailers are allowed to reopen.

The premier also announced restrictions around aged care will be lifted Monday next week, to align with that of mainland Australia, allowing for additional visits, which will still be managed.

The Tasmanian government banned all visits to aged care home in early April, except for compassionate or end-of-life care.

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Tasmania’s four-stage map out of lockdown set for Friday

Mr Gutwein said he expects the ‘road map’ out of lockdown will be a “three, or four-stage process” and the details will be revealed on Friday.

“Tomorrow the national cabinet will receive the expert advice from the AHPPC (Australian Health Protection Principal Committee) regarding their view of the timeframes we should consider for lifting our restrictions,” Mr Gutwein continued.

The premier said the national cabinet will consider the advice and on Friday the national cabinet will meet again, to finalise the details on the way forward, before announcing the specifics.

"Tasmania will continue to march to the beat of its own drum. We have an older and more vulnerable population," he said, adding the state’s ageing population has had informed decision making “since day one”, as it will coming out of restrictions.

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“There will be initial restrictions we will look to lift, followed then by stage two and stage three and stage four, as we work our way through it.”

He added there will be a timeframe around those restrictions easing, come Friday, so Tasmanians have a clear idea on what the transition will look like, however he said the timeframe would be dependent on public health advice and in terms of testing and case numbers.

Mr Gutwein said one of the first restrictions which he expects to be lifted first would be “green space”.

“I think that it’s important that where we can we do open our parks and our reserves and beaches,” he said.

The premier acknowledged the restrictions have been frustrating for Tasmanians, however he encouraged the public to continue following the rules.

“It is important we follow the rules, we keep people safe and we don’t become complacent.”

“Complacency will take us back to where other countries are,” he said, adding he didn’t want to see another outbreak in the state which could result in another lockdown after everything opens up again.

Of the state's 221 cases,158 have recovered and 48 remain 'active'.

with AAP

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