State ‘envy of nation’
TASMANIA was in an enviable state of freedom from Covid restrictions, compared with the rest of the nation, Premier Peter Gutwein says.
Speaking as residents of New South Wales celebrated an end to their long period in lockdown, Mr Gutwein said their “freedom day” had long been our everyday reality.
“There will no doubt be a lot of hoo-ha about what’s appearing in New South Wales today,” Mr Gutwein said on Monday.
“New South Wales are desperate to get back to where we are.
“As of today, there are limits on how many people that can go to your home, schools aren’t open in New South Wales and in terms of their density limits, they have only half as many people allowed to attend events as what we do.
“So hopefully, they’ll continue on their pathway and that they will get to be as lucky as what we are.”
Mr Gutwein said Tasmanians were on track to be 90 per cent vaccinated against Covid by December and the government’s plan was to reopen borders to interstate travel – subject to some conditions – soon after.
“Our expectation is that we’ll be open by Christmas. That’s the plan that we’re working towards.”
Labor’s education spokesman Josh Willie on Monday called on the government to do more to mitigate the risk of Covid being spread in schools.
“Ventilation and air purifiers are one way in which the government can help reduce the risk of Covid spreading in schools,’’ Mr Willie said.
“It would come as no surprise to Tasmanians that many school buildings are older and may not be designed for adequate airflow or to be Covid-safe.
“There has been plenty of time to prepare and ensure children and staff are as safe as possible in schools, yet the government has delayed this important measure.
“We know the Victorian government is investing heavily in measures to reduce the risk of Covid transmission with 51,000 air purification devices to be rolled out to all government and low-fee Catholic schools,” Mr Willie said.
“We have heard very little from Minister for Education Sarah Courtney on what the plan is for Tasmania or what commitment she will make to ensure our schools are Covid-safe.”