MARKERS OF RECOVERY
TO DAY’ S a big day in terms of our roadmap back from the corona virus upheaval. As one of the first arrivals from NSW, Prime Minister Scott Morrison is visiting the state for the first time since the crisis started and our borders were closed.
He is attending the state Liberal Party conference today but he hasn’t missed the opportunity to bring some much-needed good news to Tasmania.
From January our state will be able to welcome international passengers as Hobart Airport is upgraded appropriately.
This will mean there will be flights between New Zealand and Tasmania.
It’s a welcome move that will lead to increased visitation while our international borders could be closed to everyone but our Kiwi cousins for some months to come. It will also hopefully pave the way for future opportunities for our in-demand state.
It might also mean that returning overseas Australians could arrive directly to our shores. It’s absolutely essential that the state government is prepared for that and follows to the letter the systems in place at hotel quarantine in states like NSW and Western Australia, which handled that process perfectly—unlike Victoria.
The state government also made some important announcements on Friday.
Firstly, contact tracing at hospitality businesses will be mandated and venues must keep that data for 28 days.
Restaurants, coffee shops and bars that don’t already have a method of doing this will be able to use a government form and health experts are exploring digital options.
This is an essential decision as we move to the next phase of CO VID-19l if eandfo llows again the exemplary lead set by N SW.
As light inconvenience upon entry to an establishment could stop a cluster from spreading. This is a sensible rule, one that Tasmanians and visitors need to heed with help from the government to ensure the process is simple, effective, universally adopted and consistent.
Premier Peter Gutwein also announced a change to family gatherings. From Friday, November 13, people will be allowed up to 40 visitors to their home, which allows families certainty around party planning for those important festive get-to get hers.
The highly controversial ban on“vertical drinking” will also be eased slightly from next week. People will be allowed to consume alcohol while standing up in an outdoor area. Inside venues, however, if you want a drink, you have to sit down. The government will review that decision in coming weeks as it continues to be a bone of contention for the hospitality industry.
The state government is pulling back restrictions and guiding us slowly out of the crisis.
As the rules ease, the responsibility on the individual increases.
Now Tasmanians, it’ s over to us.