SETTING OUR COURSE TO NEW NORMAL
NO matter how Tasmanians feel about easing our border restrictions, the uncertainty about the state’s reopening is at least at an end. Premier Peter Gutwein says unfettered interstate travel will resume – for the vaccinated and tested – from December 15. That date will be a major psychological milestone on the road to normality. It also means a beginning of a new era, we must learn to live with Covid rather than fighting to keep it out of our state altogether.
There is a balancing act for any state government when it comes to reopening borders. Mr Gutwein has rightly been praised for his handling of this pandemic. His approach has involved heeding expert advice and staying firmly on the side of caution. It has served the state well. Our case numbers and the death toll of this terrible disease have been low in the 20 months to date. We have managed to largely avoid the harsh and ongoing restrictions on everyday life that have dogged Sydney and Melbourne, have contained the number of cases and have emerged from our most recent short and limited lockdown. In this, we are the envy of other states. But the national tide is turning towards reopening and recovering from the depths of this pandemic.
There can be little doubt that Tasmania has done well with the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines too, pushing through milestones at a rapid rate. We are well on the way to 90 per cent double-dose vaccinations for those aged over 16. It is a credit to all involved that this milestone looks likely to be reached by December 1.
In easing restrictions, Mr Gutwein has to balance two opposing constituencies. For many Tasmanians, the prospect of Christmas reunions with family from interstate and holiday travel looms large in their minds.
Those whose livelihoods depend on the free flow of tourists also want restrictions eased. This pandemic has taken a heavy economic toll on one of our key industries.
The government was on Friday at pains to reassure those anxious about opening up despite the sometimes parlous state of our health system and our older, sicker demographics.
For some the reopening will be too soon, for others it will not come soon enough.
The modelling the state government commissioned presents a range of scenarios, with cases in the tens of thousands within the first 200 days of opening, hundreds of hospitalisations and dozens of deaths. Modelling is an informed best estimate of what might happen in the real world, the future as always is uncertain.
What is certain is that we cannot remain closed off forever.
Mr Gutwein has at least set the state on the path to what will be our new normal.