Border changes made after WA outbreak

TASMANIAN health authorities have declared two regions of Western Australia as highrisk in response to new cases of COVID-19 in that state.

On Friday, WA announced a three-day lockdown of the Perth metropolitan and Peel regions from midnight Friday until midnight on Monday.

The lockdown came after an outbreak of the virus in hotel quarantine spread into the community.

Tasmania’s restrictions apply from 12.01am on Saturday,

with anyone who has been in the high-risk regions in the 14 days before arrival not permitted to enter the state unless as an essential traveller.

Those who do intend to travel to Tasmania from WA have to apply for a Tas-eTravel pass and confirm they have not been in the high-risk regions.

Travellers who arrived in Tasmania from WA since April 17 were being asked to check the list of public exposure sites identified by WA Health.

Anyone who was at any of the sites at the specified dates and times were being told to self-isolate immediately and contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for advice.

Tasmanian Public Health director Mark Veitch said health authorities had been liaising with WA and Victorian counterparts on a response to the situation.

Meanwhile, Tasmanian venues will soon be able to accommodate 100 per cent capacity.

The ease in restrictions from the current 75 per cent cap will take effect from May 1, allowing increased capacity at aseated venues including theatres, cinemas, places of worship and sports grounds.

Dr Veitch said the requirement for face masks to be worn in certain circumstances at indoor venues would also be removed from that date.

He said the new directions would bring Tasmania into line with most other Australian jurisdictions.

For indoor gatherings of 250 or more and outdoor events with 1000 or more people, a COVID-safe events framework still applies.