Split market plan stalls on numbers

CORONAVIRUS outbreaks in other states have been blamed by Public Health for a decision to veto a previously approved interim version of Salamanca Market.

In line with state government rules limiting outdoor gatherings to 500, the new market was to be divided into two sections, each with its own entry and egress and each restricted to 500 people.

The format, approved last week by the Hobart City Council, was devised following consultation with the state government.

However, Public Heath now deems the separated market a gathering of more than 500.

“The current limit of 500 people attending an outdoor event remains in place. In light of the national COVID-19 situation, the risk of enabling greater numbers of people to mix at an outdoor gathering is currently unacceptable,” a spokesman said.

Hobart City Council now intends to halve the previously approved market capacity to allow an event to restart as on August 8.

General manager Nick Heath said while the latest development was disappointing, council was committed to following public health advice.

“We are still planning to run an interim market on 8 August, albeit smaller than we had been hoping,” Mr Heath said.

“We understand that the

Victorian experience and this week’s confirmation of a new COVID-19 case in Tasmania have contributed to a more cautious approach to large public gatherings.

“Given this position, we don’t want to create a situation where people’s health may be compromised.”

He said council was working towards a single market zone comprising up to 75 stalls and with a total of 500 people, including stallholders, staff and volunteers.

An email from a City of Hobart staff member to stallholders said the replacement Salamanca Market, Tasmania’s Own Market, would “now not meet the requirements for safe public gatherings”.

“In light of the deteriorating COVID-19 situation in Victoria and NSW, the Tasmanian public health department has asked us to revise our plans for a smaller interim market,” the email said.

“We are disappointed, especially given the work we’ve done to support as many stallholders as possible to trade during this period.”

The email said council was still awaiting clarity from Public Health on the revised market.

Stallholders who did not wish to participate were asked to immediately alert the council.

GIVEN THIS POSITION, WE DON’T WANT TO CREATE A SITUATION WHERE PEOPLE’S HEALTH MAY BE COMPROMISED HOBART CITY COUNCIL GENERAL MANAGER NICK HEATH