Families and community

Last update: 22 Jun 2020 9:16am

Aged care facility visit restrictions

The current Direction for Residential Aged Care Facilities allows visits by family and friends to provide care and support to residents but with the following limits:

  • up to two people per visit with visit time unrestricted;
  • multiple visits allowed in one day, subject to facility policy; and
  • all visitors must have an influenza vaccination (more on this below).

These restrictions on visits to aged care facilities do not apply:

  • for the purpose of end of life support
  • if requested by the facility to provide essential support to a resident to reduce distress or confusion as a result of a medical condition.

People should not visit any residential aged care facility if they:

  • have been interstate or overseas in the past 14 days
  • are displaying symptoms of respiratory infection or have a temperature higher than 37.5 degrees
  • have had contact within the past 14 days with a person diagnosed with COVID-19, or reasonably suspected of having COVID-19

Persons under the age of 16 and visiting services such as hairdressers and allied health professionals are able to attend age care facilities.

Residents are also allowed to leave the facility, for example with family and friends.

Operators of aged care facilities must screen all people before they enter the premises.

Influenza vaccination

From 1 May 2020, you must have your influenza vaccination to work in or visit an aged care facility. In Tasmania, if you have a certificate from a GP stating that you have a medical contra-indication to influenza vaccine, then this requirement does not apply.

The exception to this requirement is if you are entering the premises for the purposes of emergency medical, including transport, emergency management or law enforcement services.

For more information, see Influenza vaccines in residential aged care settings FAQs.

Last update: 18 Jun 2020 12:01pm

Your rights and responsibilities

Discrimination is against the law in Tasmania in a number of areas, including:

  • Employment (paid and unpaid work)
  • Providing goods and services
  • Education (schools and universities)
  • Accommodation, including rentals

Your rights during the pandemic

During the pandemic, and while various restrictions are in place, you have the right to live and work in a discrimination and harassment free environment.

You have the right not to be discriminated against because of your race, disability, family responsibilities and a number of other grounds.

Disability includes any medical condition, including coronavirus (COVID-19).

It is also against the law to treat someone less favourably because you think that they have COVID-19.

Examples of unlawful discrimination and prohibited conduct

  • Making racist comments towards people because of their race. Race includes a person’s skin colour, nationality, ethnic background and immigrant status.
  • Reducing someone’s hours or terminating someone’s employment because they have COVID-19, or have a family member who is in isolation, or have completed a period of quarantine due to suspected COVID-19.
  • Refusing to rent a property to someone because of their race, or because they have COVID-19.
  • Cancelling a rental contract/agreement because you think someone may get COVID-19 because that person is a health care worker.
  • Refusing to serve a customer because of their race, or because they are wearing a mask.
  • Not providing proper services or support to someone with disability when those services could be provided while COVID-19 restrictions are in place.
  • Not allowing family members to visit residents in aged care facilities and hospitals, or limiting visits in a way that is stricter than the current legal restrictions.
  • Depending on medical advice, not allowing an employee to work from home who is older or is vulnerable to COVID-19 because of their health or because they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Refusing a person access to services, a business or premises on the basis of whether or not they have the COVIDSafe app installed on their mobile device is also unlawful.

Your responsibilities during the pandemic

  • You have a responsibility to follow all the latest public health advice and laws related to managing the pandemic.
  • You have a responsibility not to discriminate, engage in offensive, humiliating, insulting, intimidating or ridiculing conduct, or incite hatred towards people because of their race or presumed disability (including if you think they have COVID-19).

If you have any questions or would like to lodge a complaint, please contact Equal Opportunity Tasmania on 6165 7515 or 1300 305 062 or email office@equalopportunity.tas.gov.au

Last update: 26 Jun 2020 1:53pm

Tasmania has moved to Stage Three in the lifting of restrictions.

Below are the restrictions that apply during Stage Three of Tasmania's Roadmap to Recovery.

  • All non-essential travellers arriving in Tasmania are required to enter quarantine for 14 days.
  • Tasmanian residents are to complete their 14 days of quarantine at their residence in Tasmania.
  • Non-Tasmanian residents are required to complete their quarantine at Government provided accommodation.
  • A person can leave quarantine (whether in government provided accommodation or private residence) during the 14-day period for the purpose of leaving the State.
  • King and Flinders Island residents can travel to mainland Tasmania with no need to quarantine on their return, unless they travel via mainland Australia.
  • All Tasmanian residents can travel to King and Flinders Islands with no need to quarantine, unless they travel via mainland Australia.

For more information, go to Coming to Tasmania.

The number of people permitted at businesses/activities (other than households) is now determined by the density of the area, up to a maximum of:

  • 250 people for an undivided space in an indoor premises; and
  • 500 people in an undivided space outdoors.

Maximum density limit is one person per 2 square metres.

Where the number of people permitted according to the density limit is less than the gathering limit, the lower number applies.

For more information, including exclusions, go to Business restrictions.

Gathering limits are now determined by the density of the area, up to a maximum of:

  • 250 people for an undivided space in an indoor premises; and
  • 500 people in an undivided space outdoors.

Maximum density limit is one person per 2 square metres.

Where the number of people permitted according to the density limit is less than the gathering limit, the lower number applies.

The maximum number of people permitted on a premises includes staff, volunteers, children and babies.

Where practicable, business operators, staff, volunteers and attendees should maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.

Read more about Gatherings, density limits and physical distancing.

Gatherings at households – including shacks – are limited to up to 20 people at any one time, not including residents of the household.

You can travel and stay anywhere within Tasmania, but you must comply with the restrictions on gatherings and household visits.

You should continue to maintain physical distancing at all times when you are out (staying at least 1.5 metres from other people), wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes. You should not visit others or have visitors to your home if you are unwell.

Read more about Gatherings and physical distancing rules.

Gathering limits are now determined by the density of the area, up to a maximum of:

  • 250 people for an undivided space in an indoor premises; and
  • 500 people in an undivided space outdoors.

Maximum density limit is one person per 2 square metres.

Where the number of people permitted according to the density limit is less than the gathering limit, the lower number applies.

For sporting and recreation facilities with multiple indoor or outdoor spaces, the gathering cap applies separately to each single undivided space. For example, a multi-purpose sporting venue with multiple, separate, undivided indoor spaces, could have up to 250 people in each of these spaces (the density limit applies).

The maximum number of people permitted on a premises includes coaches, athletes, staff, volunteers, children and babies.

Sporting and gym facilities must ensure there is at least one staff member or other authorised person present to supervise the premises at all times while it is being used (creation and maintenance of a record is recommended).

Where practicable, attendees should maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.

Sporting activities permitted based on Level C of the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport, meaning the following are permitted:

  • full contact training
  • full competition sport (contact and non-contact)
  • sharing of equipment where necessary
  • use of change rooms and other shared facilities.

Larger teams should consider maintaining some small group separation at training and non-essential social gatherings should be limited.

Gathering limits and the requirement to maintain physical distancing where practical applies to all sports, exercise and recreation.

Read more about Sport, exercise and recreation.

Most parks and reserves (including visitor centres and campgrounds) are open, with the 30 kilometre travel limit no longer in place.

For more details visit the PWS website.

You are encouraged to continue to work from home if it works for you and your employer. For example, office workers should be encouraged to work from home to help with physical distancing measures and limit the contact between people.

Vulnerable people are encouraged to continue to stay home and protect their health, or take extra precautions when out and about. This advice applies to:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and older with one or more chronic medical conditions
  • People 65 years and older with chronic medical conditions
  • All people 70 years and older
  • People with compromised immune systems
  • People with a disability, if you have received medical advice to do so.

This does not mean that these people are unable to leave home or to visit others.

But members of these high-risk groups should take extra precautions to avoid unwell visitors, including unwell children who might not fully understand physical distancing boundaries.

Last update: 26 Jun 2020 1:37pm

Key contacts

For-up-to-date information, visit:

People with disability, family and carers

Restrictions on gatherings are in place in Tasmania to help control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Tasmanians with disabilities are subject to the same restrictions as the general population.

Some people with disability may have higher incidents of health issues, including chronic conditions and weakened immune systems. For this reason, the Australian Government has identified people with disability as a potentially vulnerable cohort during COVID-19.

Other vulnerable cohorts include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people in remote communities, older people, people in aged care facilities, and people with chronic conditions.

People with a disability who may be older or who have a health condition that makes them vulnerable to COVID-19 are encouraged to take extra precautions to protect their health, if they choose to. This choice may be based on their own preference, or on medical advice they may have received.

It is recommended that vulnerable people take extra precautions when out of the home, including:

  • practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands and surfaces frequently with soap and water, and avoiding touching their face (where possible);
  • physical distancing;
  • avoiding people who are unwell, including unwell children who may not fully understand physical distancing boundaries;
  • avoiding large gatherings, which may make physical distancing difficult; and
  • staying home where possible, particularly when sick.

If you are a person with a disability who has an additional health vulnerability, you are not restricted to your home because of this advice. You may move around the community, go shopping, see friends, or do something you enjoy, if you feel comfortable to do so and this is supported by medical advice you may have sought.

You must only stay at your home if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, or someone you know has been diagnosed, and you have been identified as a close contact. In these instances, you are required to quarantine for 14 days. You will be notified if this is the case.

The Australian Government Department of Health website has information and resources for people with disability, their families and carers.

Participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) should contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) on 1800 800 110 if they need to talk to a planner, make changes to their plan or are having trouble getting services due to COVID-19.

More information about COVID-19 for NDIS participants and their families and carers is available on the NDIS website.

The NDIS website also includes easy to read and participant fact sheets to support providers, families and carers to respond to COVID-19.

An Easy Read version of the Tasmanian Government’s Roadmap to Recovery is available on the Speakout Tasmania website.

Tasmania has three disability advocacy services that can assist people with disability to have their say or to help understand how the COVID-19 restrictions affect you:

Management and operational plan for people with disability

The Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus guides the Australian health sector response. The Management and Operational Plan focuses on people with disability. There is an easy read version available as well.

The plan was overseen by the Advisory Committee for the COVID-19 Response for People with Disability.

It provides high-level guidance on how to manage and prevent the transmission of COVID-19 for people with disability and will be updated as needed.

Continuity planning

Disability Service Providers must have business continuity plans for responding to potential COVID-19 outbreaks, including the need to quarantine individuals with disability or staff. More information can be found on:

COVID-19 in a Disability Service

Individuals who are showing symptoms of COVID-19

If the individual does not meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing, continue to provide support. Implement infection control practices, physical distancing and any further direction provided by the treating doctor. For more information go to Testing for COVID-19.

An Individual who has confirmed COVID-19

  • Refer to the National Guidelines for Residential Aged Care (COVID-19).
  • If the individual is diagnosed with COVID-19, they must comply with the requirements of the Direction to Isolate Order, which includes the requirement to isolate for 14-days.
  • Isolating due to a COVID-19 diagnosis is not considered a restrictive practice under the Disability Services Act 2011, and therefore does not require authorisation by the Tasmanian Senior Practitioner.

COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework

All workplaces that are reopening will be required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan that complies with minimum COVID-19 safety standards.

All workplaces are required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan that complies with minimum COVID-19 safety standards. See COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework for more information about these requirements.

Please note that Tasmanian disability facilities are exempt from the maximum gathering number, if the gathering is necessary for the normal function of the facility (eg meals). Disability facilities are also exempt from the density limit requirements (four square meters per person). Social distancing (1.5 metres) still applies, but only where practicable, so as not to jeopardise a client’s health if they require one-on-one care. This information is relevant for disability facilities completing a COVID-19 Safety Plan.

Relevant COVID-19 Safe Workplace Guidelines provide more detail on how sectors and workplaces can meet the Minimum Standards for disability providers, including Other Residential Care Services and Social Assistance Services.

NDIS Providers

NDIS providers have specific obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct and the NDIS Practice Standards that relate to the delivery of safe quality supports and services, and the management of risks associated with supports provided to NDIS participants. Remain up to date with specific guidance by visiting the NDIS and NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission websites.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has developed specific advice for Disability Service Providers in relation to PPE.

NDIS providers and self-managing participants who can no longer access PPE supplies through usual means can contact the National Medical Stockpile by emailing NDISCOVIDPPE@health.gov.au

The Tasmanian Government has contracted St John Ambulance to coordinate the supply of PPE to essential service providers unable to obtain their supplies through their normal supplier. Contact St John Ambulance on 1300 360 455 or ppe@stjohntas.org.au for assistance.

The situation with coronavirus is changing regularly. Stay up to date by visiting Information for providers on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Tasmanian support measures and stimulus package

Additional information regarding Tasmanian Stimulus and Supports for the Community can be found here.

Disability related

This section provides targeted advice regarding the Tasmanian Support Measures & Stimulus Package, in particular, the emergency accommodation supports included in this package.

This advice should be read in conjunction with National Guidelines for Residential Care Facilities.

Disability Support Workers

Disability Support Workers include workers in Tasmania’s disability accommodation facilities. These workers will be considered as frontline workers who may be eligible for Accommodation Support under the Tasmanian Support Measures & Stimulus Package.

Accommodation support for Frontline Workers

Emergency accommodation will be available for frontline workers if they need to stay away from home, in circumstances where their family members are in quarantine or symptomatic of COVID-19.

Disability Support Workers are eligible for this form of assistance.

For workers of disability accommodation, this means that emergency accommodation support will be available if it is demonstrated that they are at risk of infection if they reside at their family home. Contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for more information.

Accommodation support for Vulnerable Tasmanians

Emergency accommodation will be available for low-income individuals and families who have been placed in quarantine but who are unable to return to their regular place of residence.

For residents of disability accommodation, this means that emergency accommodation will be available if it is demonstrated that quarantine from other residents who are at high risk within the facility cannot be reasonably achieved. Contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for more information.

Emergency Relief

Organisations such as Red Cross, Rural Business Tasmania and The Salvation Army can provide emergency food hampers, delivery of medications, financial counselling and other essential support for persons who are required by Public Health to quarantine due to COVID-19 risk.

For residents of disability accommodation, this means that emergency relief assistance for quarantined residents will be available where there is demonstrated need that the facility requires this form of assistance. Eligibility for these payments does not require residents to transfer to alternative accommodation. Public Health will provide an appropriate referral. Contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for more information.

Pandemic Isolation Assistance Grants for Vulnerable Tasmanians

Pandemic Isolation Assistance Grants for vulnerable Tasmanians (also known as Emergency Relief Payments) – one-off payments will be made to low-income persons who are required by Public Health to quarantine due to COVID-19 risk.

For residents of disability accommodation, this means that one-off relief payments for quarantined residents will be available. Eligibility for these payments does not require residents to transfer to alternative accommodation. Contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for more information.

Last update: 01 Jul 2020 11:39am

Emergency relief services are delivered by community organisations and help people address immediate basic needs in times of crisis. Emergency relief can act as a safety net for people experiencing financial distress or hardship and who have limited means or resources to help them alleviate their financial crisis.

The organisations delivering emergency relief build strong networks within their local communities to assist individuals to minimise potential dependence on assistance.

Emergency relief organisations provide immediate financial and/or material support to people in financial crisis. The type of assistance offered by each organisation varies, however may include one-off assistance such as:

  • food, transport or chemist vouchers
  • part-payment of utility account/s
  • food parcels or clothing
  • budgeting assistance and/or
  • referrals to other services that help to address underlying causes of financial crisis.

See Emergency food relief.

Mental health and wellbeing support services are also available, as well as a range of financial services to support with expenses like bills and rent during COVID-19.

Australian Red Cross

Australian Red Cross provides emergency relief and casework to refugees, people seeking asylum, people in immigration detention and other people who are vulnerable as a result of migration. For information about COVID-19 Emergency Financial Assistance, visit the website.

CatholicCare Victoria Tasmania

CatholicCare provides emergency relief across Tasmania for anyone who is experiencing financial hardship for any reason. CatholicCare can assist with food/fuel vouchers, bill payments and material assistance.

To find out more, visit the website or call 1800 819 447.

Helping Hand Association

The Helping Hand provides emergency relief for the Longford area and surrounds.

The organisation provides food parcels, food vouchers and material aid.

To find out more, visit the website or call (03) 6391 2498.

Hobart City Mission Incorporated

Hobart city mission helps clients in Southern Tasmania with providing food packs, food vouchers, personal hygiene packs, clothing and furniture. They also assist clients in the payment and management of electricity, gas or phone bills.

To find out more, visit the website or call (03) 6215 4200.

Launceston Benevolent Society

The Launceston Benevolent Society provides support services for families and individuals in Launceston and surrounding areas. Services include food support, bill and expense support, clothes and other products and support.

To find out more, visit the website or call (03) 6344 4213.

Launceston City Mission Inc.

Emergency Relief assistance can help families and individuals living in Launceston and the North West who are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to meet basic living costs. The organisation can help with basic food packages, advocacy with electricity and Telstra bills, emergency fuel or transport needs. They can also help with referrals to other services as required. In some circumstances, Launceston City Mission may also be able to help clients gain access to medical advice, purchase medications or provide vouchers to purchase furniture, household goods and clothing.

To find out more, visit the website or call (03) 6335 3000.

Rural Business Tasmania Inc.

The Rural Relief Fund  supports farming families and their communities in their time of most need. Offering grants of up to $2,500, crisis relief is gifted to eligible families based on urgency and the level of support required. Family and animal welfare are a priority and grant funds can cover basic household goods including food, utility bills and the repair of damaged fences.

To find out more, visit the website.

Salvation Army (Tasmania) Property Trust

The Salvation Army Doorways Centres provide Emergency Relief and case management for clients across Tasmania. Assistance includes food parcels, clothing, vouchers, payment of utility and phone bills, rental assistance, referral and assessment and advocacy.

To find out more, visit the website or call (03) 6228 8400.

St Vincent de Paul Tasmania

St Vincent de Paul Society continues to provide Emergency Relief through its Regional Centres, providing food and payment of other essentials.

As part of this service, the Society also supports other services and community members that may require urgent assistance with clothing or household items.  There may be limited stock at the moment, but all efforts will be made to assist those in need.

To find out more, visit the website or call your local St Vincent de Paul Regional Centre:

Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Limited

The Uniting Emergency Relief program supports individuals and families experiencing financial crisis across Tasmania. The organisation provides nutritious food, personal care items, transport assistance, social inclusion programs, financial support, advocacy and referrals.

To find out more, visit the website or call (03) 6234 1296.

Wyndarra Centre Incorporated

Wyndarra provides emergency relief in the Circular Head region. The organisation provides money, Woolworths vouchers, food parcels, cheques, electricity hardship payments, Telstra vouchers, NILS support and other support.

To find out more, visit the website or call (03) 6452 2722.

Youth, Family and Community Connections Incorporated

YFCC coordinates and delivers Emergency Relief in the NW and West coast region of Tasmania. The organisation offers assistance with food, transport, clothing, chemist vouchers, part payment of utilities and assistance with specialist needs (eg education and health costs)

To find out more, visit the website or call (03) 6423 6635.

Last update: 01 Jul 2020 11:43am

If your finances have been impacted by COVID-19 and you are experiencing financial difficulty it is important to get help as early as possible.

Each person’s circumstances are different, and the choices you make today may have long-term implications for your financial future.

Free, confidential support and advice is available:

Make a budget

Making a budget will help you understand where your money is being spent. It will also be helpful for when you speak with a financial counsellor, your bank or lender, or when you need to apply for financial assistance.

The Moneysmart website has an online budget planner to help you get started.

What support is available?

The Tasmanian Government is supporting households and individuals through:

The Australian Government is providing financial assistance including:

  • additional income support payments including JobSeeker Payments, the Coronavirus Supplement and Economic Support Payments
  • early access to superannuation
  • a range of support for businesses.

For full details and guidance on how to apply for assistance:

Tasmanian Local Councils have a range of support measures in place, or being implemented, to assist individuals and businesses in financial difficulty due to COVID-19. Councils may also have additional measures available. Visit your council’s website for information and contacts. You can find a link to all councils’ websites on the Local Government Association of Tasmania website.

Tasmanian service providers (water, electricity, gas) have a number of ways that you can keep on top of your bills, including automatic debit and weekly, fortnightly or monthly payment plans. They also have financial hardship policies. If you are having financial difficulties, call your service provider and talk through what is best for you in your circumstance. Having a plan in place will help you manage your bills now and reduce the likelihood of a growing bill that makes you anxious.

Banking and loan lenders are lowering home loan rates or allowing payments to be deferred. To understand how this will impact your loan repayments in the long term, speak to your bank or lender. If you fall behind on your repayments, contact the bank as early as possible and ask if it is possible to reduce repayments for a period of time.

Insurance and claims during COVID-19

For information about claims and insurance you should speak with your insurance company first.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has written to insurance companies advising them of ASIC's expectation about general insurers' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the Insurance Council of Australia website for general information about how insurance companies are responding.

Last update: 26 Jun 2020 12:36pm

Gatherings at households – including shacks – are limited to up to 20 people at any one time, not including residents of the household. You should not visit others or have visitors to your home if you are unwell.

What is a gathering?

A gathering is the total number of people present in any single undivided space. All individuals – whether they are business operators, staff, volunteers, attendees, children or babies – are considered part of the gathering number.

Why do we have maximum gathering numbers?

Advice from Public Health Services is that a staged easing of restrictions should occur to monitor the transmission risk of COVID-19. This includes a gradual increase in gathering numbers. It is important to note that where the number of people permitted according to the density limit (one person per 2 square metres) is less than the gathering limit, the lower number applies.

Read about the current restrictions on gatherings and Management of Premises Direction.

It is difficult to maintain physical distancing and effective hygiene measures in large public gatherings. Restricting gathering numbers reduces the likelihood of transmission and provides opportunities for the community to continue effective hygiene practices.

Are there any exceptions to the gathering limits?

The limits do not apply to the following specified premises, but the number of people on these premises should not exceed the total number specified in the occupancy permit for the premises under the Building Act 2016. The specified premises are:

  • Airports and premises used for public or commercial transport
  • Medical or health service facilities, including veterinary facilities
  • Disability or aged care facilities
  • Prisons, correctional facilities, youth justice centres
  • Courts or tribunals
  • Parliament
  • Schools, universities, education institutions, childcare facilities, child and family centres
  • Premises that deliver services and support to disadvantaged community members eg those providing homeless accommodation, boarding houses, emergency/social housing, child safety services, foodbanks, employment services, and migrant and refugee assistance
  • Indoor and outdoor spaces where people are transiting through
  • Emergency services.

What is the difference between indoor and outdoor gatherings?

An indoor space is any area, room or premises that is substantially enclosed by a roof and walls (this also applies to temporary structures, for example a marquee). Outdoor spaces are not enclosed by a roof or walls.

Do the limits apply to the entire venue or individual spaces?

For mixed use venues with multiple indoor or outdoor spaces, the gathering cap (250 people for indoor, or 500 people for outdoor) applies separately to each single undivided space. For example, a large hotel with multiple, separate indoor spaces (eg conference room, bar, restaurant, foyer, beer garden), is permitted to have up to 250 people for each of these spaces (the density limit applies).

What is meant by the maximum density limit?

The maximum density limit aims to prevent the crowding of people in a space. A premises must not have a density of more than 1 person per 2 square metres of floor space. This means an operator must not allow people to enter or stay on the premises (indoor or outdoor) if the size of the premises is insufficient to allow for 2 square metres of space for each person.

What is the 2 square metres per person rule?

The maximum number of people at a premises is limited by the floor space of the premises, as a minimum of 2 square metres of space is required for each attendee. This is known as the 2 square metre rule.

The maximum number of people allowed at a premises is the smaller number of either:

  • The maximum number of people for which there is 2 square metres per person
  • The maximum number gathering number specified for the type of venue/activity

How to apply the 2 square metres per person rule

To comply with the 2 square metre rule, measure the length and width of the floor space. Multiply the length by the width to calculate the area in square metres, and divide this by 2. The final number is the maximum number of people allowed in the premises (up to the maximum gathering size).

For example, in hospitality venues, the operator of a premises must not allow people to enter or stay on the premises (whether outdoor or indoor) if the size of the premises is insufficient to allow for 2 square metres of space for each person (the four square metre rule).

Where practicable, the operator should:

  • Ensure that staff and patrons are 1.5 metres away from each other. For groups of people seated at the same table, and for staff at times, this will not be practicable.
  • Arrange the premises in such a way so that the 1.5 metre rule can be adhered to between patrons from different tables.
  • Coordinate arrivals and seating of patrons so that crowding does not occur in arrival/waiting areas.
  • Ensure that there is appropriate space between dine-in patrons and takeaway food pickup areas within the premises.

Read more about requirements of businesses under the COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework.

How do I stay safe in a gathering?

COVID-19 is spread through contact with people. In any gathering or setting it is important to maintain:

  • physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres between people
  • hand hygiene
  • respiratory hygiene (sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissues and clean your hands after coughing or sneezing)
  • frequent environmental cleaning and disinfection.

Why is staying 1.5 metres from others important?

Physical distancing continues to be the strongest safeguard to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You must continue to maintain a safe distance of no less than 1.5 metres between yourself and others, where safe and practical.

Last update: 08 May 2020 9:48am

At present, because of the physical distancing requirements in place as a result of COVID-19, a significant number of Justices of the Peace (JPs) are no longer undertaking their duties.

The Department of Justice supports the decision of any Justice to take this course of action, given that a number of Justices are older members of the community and may be susceptible to an increased risk of contracting the virus. Justices have limited premises from which they can provide services and in those circumstances, it is not considered appropriate for members of the public to visit Justices at their residences.

Notwithstanding this, a small number of Justices are continuing to provide services. See the Department of Justice website for a list of Justices of the Peace.

Please consider whether your document is essential and must be sworn urgently. If it does not need to be done now please consider waiting until the situation improves.

In the event that a Justice is urgently required, it is recommended that you phone Justices in your area to ask whether they are willing to deal with your matter.

Before contacting a Justice, please carefully read the document to see whether a Justice is in fact required. Many of the duties of a Justice can also be undertaken by a Commissioner for Declarations who can:

  • witness signatures to documents;
  • certify a true copy of an original document; and
  • take statutory declarations.

Commissioners for Declarations include:

  • accountants;
  • bank, building society or credit union officers with 5 or more continuous years of service;
  • dentists;
  • nurses;
  • optometrists;
  • permanent Commonwealth, State or a Local Government employees with 5 or more continuous years of service;
  • pharmacists;
  • police officers; and
  • full-time teachers.

See the Department of Justice website for more details about Commissioners for Declarations.

Arrangements are being put in place to allow for electronic witnessing/certifying/taking of statutory declarations. Further details will be published as soon as they become available.

Last update: 19 Jun 2020 4:11pm

Visiting public hospital patients

A COVID-19 Visitor Policy has been developed for Tasmania’s Public Hospitals and Clinics. The Policy places some restrictions on who can visit and when they can visit, as well as measures all visitors should apply to reduce the risk of COVID-19 being passed on to patients in hospital. This is important because of the vulnerable nature of many patients to COVID-19 – particularly as they recover from other illnesses or while undergoing treatment.

Under the Policy, unless you are seeking personal medical treatment or care, members of the public should not visit hospital, outpatient departments or clinic sites if they have:

  • fever
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny nose
  • gastrointestinal symptoms
  • been advised to self isolate following international or interstate travel or COVID-19 testing.

All visitors will be required to complete a visitor screening tool prior to entering the hospital.

All visitors will be required to follow guidelines such as washing hands prior to and after leaving the ward, covering coughs and sneezes and maintaining physical distancing (at least 1.5 metres) while at the hospital.

Restrictions are in place for specific hospital wards. See the table below for more information.

Intending visitors to private hospitals should contact the hospital directly to find out their policy in relation to visitors.

Visiting hours

Visiting hours are restricted to 2pm-6pm daily.

To provide additional safeguards to patients, the following restrictions will also be in place:

  1. Visitors will be limited to a maximum of one per patient at any one time (note Visitor Exceptions below for specific hospital wards or locations).
  2. The use of alternative methods of communication ie telephone or FaceTime/Skype to stay connected with families/carers/social networks should be encouraged.
  3. Visitors should not congregate in common areas or use kitchenettes/pantries/other shared areas across the organisation.
  4. Visitors within multi-bed rooms should be monitored to ensure adherence to social distancing principles.

Please note exceptions to this may be negotiated at unit management level (Nurse Unit Manager) with consideration on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Nurse Unit Manager at the hospital if seeking an exception.

Visitor numbers for wards

Area / ward

Number of visitors

Outpatient clinics and community centres

Support person only

Department of Critical Care Medicine

Two visitors will be allowed at any one time

Emergency Department

One visitor per patient

Neonatal Intensive Care

Parents / carers have unrestricted visiting with a maximum of two people visiting

Compassionate situation – exemptions may be applied for siblings

Paediatric Unit

Parents / carers have unrestricted visiting with a maximum of two people visiting

Maternity Unit

An upper limit of two people to support mothers in the maternity unit (this limit of two includes the partner, if the partner is present).

Operating Theatre and Recovery Room

Visitors not routinely allowed. Parents may visit children post-surgery

Short Stay Surgical Unit

One support person permitted

Palliative Care

An upper limit of four visitors for patients receiving end-of-life care, and the capacity for one visitor to stay overnight and for pets to visit where appropriate

See Hospital FAQs for more information.

Last update: 02 Jul 2020 3:08pm

Residential tenancy changes during the COVID-19 emergency period

A number of changes have been made to residential tenancies in Tasmania under the COVID-19 Disease (Emergency Provisions) Act 2020.

Changes include:

  • Temporary suspension of evictions in most circumstances;
  • Immediate halt to any increases in rent;
  • Ability to reduce rent by mutual agreement;
  • Applications to break a lease due to severe hardship;
  • Limited property inspections;
  • Delays in evictions due to rent in arrears;
  • Minor changes to responsibility for cleanliness and damage if the tenant is unable to do so due to COVID-19.

The Tasmanian Government has extended the COVID-19 pandemic emergency period to 30 September 2020. This means some protections initially put in place for residential tenants during the pandemic, and due to expire on 30 June 2020, are now extended for a further 90 days. This timing will bring Tasmania into line with the expiry of protections in most other states and territories.

See the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) website for more information.

COVID-19 Rent Relief Fund

A COVID-19 Rent Relief Fund has been established to assist tenants suffering from extreme hardship.

The relief payment value will be either:

  • the total of four weeks rent, to a maximum of $2000, OR
  • the amount a tenant and owner have agreed to as a rent reduction.

IMPORTANT: the value will be whichever is the lesser amount.

The payment can only be applied once during this period.

The fund is available from 25 May 2020 until 30 September 2020.

For more information, go to the Communities Tasmania website.

Last update: 26 Jun 2020 2:50pm

A staged approach of lifting of restrictions is in place for Tasmania. This approach has been developed to help reduce the risk to the community of COVID-19.

The changes are gradual, with careful monitoring of each stage to ensure the safeguards are working in reducing the risk of outbreaks and enabling health authorities to respond if needed.

The easing of restrictions will continue to be based on Public Health advice and changes will be made depending on Tasmania's circumstances.

Please note, the Roadmap to Recovery shows the timeline of changes to restrictions as they are announced. For information about the restrictions and advice currently in place, see Current restrictions.

  • Funerals – increased from 10 to 20 attendees.
  • Aged care visits – one visit per week and no more than two visitors, managed by the facility.
  • National parks and reserves – open to residents for exercise within 30km of their home.
  • TasTAFE campuses and training facilities open for invited small groups of students only attending practical learning and assessment sessions.

18 May 2020

Household visitors

Visitors to households increases to up to 5 people at any one time, in addition to residents of the household.

Gatherings

Gatherings increased to 10 people for indoor and outdoor gatherings, with physical distancing of 1.5 metres and a maximum of one person per 4 square metres applicable.

Specific changes applied to:

  • Community and local government facilities
  • Open homes and auctions
  • Weddings and small religious ceremonies and private worship (10 attendees), funerals (20 attendees indoors and 30 outdoors)

Sport and recreation

Up to 10 people at one time can use outside gyms, skate parks and play equipment in public playgrounds; do outdoor exercise including boot camps and sports training; and use indoor and outdoor pools. Parks can be used for activities other than exercising, such as picnics, as long as physical distancing is maintained.

Spas, saunas and bath houses, whether stand-alone or attached to a pool, remain closed.

Hospitality

Restaurants and cafes in all settings (including restaurants in pubs, clubs, hotels and RSLs) open for table service for up to 10 patrons at a time.

Travel and quarantine

Border controls remain in place. Domestic travelling Tasmanian residents can quarantine in their primary residence if it is suitable. Specific conditions apply to residents of King Island, Flinders Island and the Furneaux Group of Islands.

Fly-in fly-out workers may leave quarantine before they complete 14 days if it is to return interstate to their employment.

Vulnerable people

Vulnerable people are encouraged to stay home and protect their health.

Working from home

Working from home is encouraged where possible. Stay home if unwell.

25 May 2020

  • Kindergarten to Year 6 students return to learning at school.
  • Year 11 and 12 students at extension schools and colleges return to learning at school.
  • Aged care visits - move to national restrictions of two visitors, once a day.

5 June 2020 from 3pm

Gatherings

Gatherings increase to 20 people at a time for indoor and outdoor, with physical distancing of 1.5 metres (where practicable) and a maximum of one person per 4 square metres applicable.

Specific changes will apply to:

  • community and local government facilities
  • weddings (40 attendees indoors and outdoors)
  • religious ceremonies, private worship and church services, including baptisms (40 attendees indoors and outdoors)
  • funerals (50 attendees indoors and outdoors)

Household visitors

Visitors to households is increasing to 10 people at any one time (indoor or outdoor), in addition to residents of the household.

As of 3pm on Friday 5 June you can travel to and stay at your shack. There is no limit to how long you may stay at your shack.

Visitor restrictions apply to your shack as they would to your primary residence therefore during Stage 2 you may have up to 10 people (not including your household) visit and stay overnight at your shack.

Business restrictions

Gatherings at most businesses increase to 20, with the following reopening or subject to changed restrictions:

  • accommodation (no limit on the number of guests, apart from rented holiday houses/short-stay accommodation, which are limited to 20 attendees and subject to density limits. For all other venues gathering limits and the one person per 4 square meter rule applies in common areas but not in guest rooms.
  • camping and caravan parks (booked sites must not exceed the maximum density limit for that site, unless those camping are all from the same household)
  • function centres
  • open homes and auctions
  • cinemas (40 attendees per cinema)
  • museums, galleries and historic sites (80 attendees)
  • theatres and concert venues (40 attendees with an additional number of 20 people specified for performers)
  • outdoor amusement parks, arcades and play centres
  • betting shopfronts
  • indoor gyms, fitness centres and sporting venues, including boot camps, yoga, barre, gymnastics and cheerleading facilities (noting at least one employee must be on premises during operating hours)
  • dance schools
  • health clubs, fitness and wellness centres, including yoga and barre
  • zoos and wildlife parks (40 attendees)

Restaurant and cafe gatherings increase to 40. The restriction on the number of diners applies to the venue as a whole regardless of whether the venue has multiple separate dining rooms.

Pubs, clubs and bars can open and serve food and/or drinks to seated patrons, with a gathering limit of 40. Betting services and TASkeno will be permitted in pubs, clubs and bars.

Gathering restrictions will not apply to beauty and personal care services, but the one person per four square metre rule will apply. These services include beauty therapy, massage, facials, tanning, waxing, manicure or other nail treatments, ear and body piercing, tattoos, body modification and day spas.

Sport, exercise and recreation

  • Camping permitted.
  • National parks and reserves opening, including campgrounds. The limit on day trips for exercising and travelling to within 30km of your home will no longer apply.
  • Park exercise equipment and playgrounds open for up to 20 people.
  • Outdoor community sport to resume, with up to 20 athletes/personnel (as guided by AIS framework level B for rebooting sport).
  • Indoor sport and recreation, including pools with up to 20 (as guided by AIS framework level B for rebooting sport). Showers and change rooms remain closed.

Boating

Restrictions on locations for launching recreational boats will be lifted. The limit on launching in your municipality will no longer apply. You will also be permitted to stay overnight on your boat.

Travel and quarantine

Border controls remain in place. Domestic travellers who are Tasmanian residents can quarantine in their primary residence if it is suitable.

Fly-in fly-out workers may leave quarantine before they complete 14 days if it is to return interstate to their employment.

9 June 2020

High school students from years 7 to 10 return to learning at school.

13 June 2020

Racing resumes.

17 June 2020 from 12pm

Gatherings

Gatherings increase to up to 80 people at a time for indoor and outdoor, with physical distancing of 1.5 metres (where practicable) and a maximum of one person per 4 square metres.

Household visitors

Gatherings at households – including shacks – increase to up to 20 people at any one time, not including residents of the household.

Business restrictions

Gatherings increase to up to 80 people at a time for indoor and outdoor, with physical distancing of 1.5 metres (where practicable) and a maximum of one person per 4 square metres.

Sport, exercise and recreation

Gatherings have increased to 80 attendees for:

  • Outdoor park exercise equipment
  • Skate parks
  • Playgrounds

Gatherings remain at 20 for:

  • Indoor and outdoor pools (20 people per pool)
  • Outdoor exercise and boot camps (groups of up to 20 people)
  • Indoor sporting and gym facilities (20 people per separate room or studio, up to a maximum of 80 attendees within each distinct building on the premises at any one time).

Household visitors

Gatherings at households – including shacks – remain limited to up to 20 people at any one time, not including residents of the household. You should not visit others or have visitors to your home if you are unwell.

Read more about Physical distancing.

Gatherings

The number of people permitted at businesses/activities (other than households) is now determined by the density of the area, up to a maximum of:

  • 250 people for an undivided space in an indoor premises; and
  • 500 people in an undivided space outdoors.

Maximum density limit is one person per 2 square metres.

Where the number of people permitted according to the density limit is less than the gathering limit, the lower number applies.

All people in any single undivided space count towards the maximum number of people permitted. For example, staff in a restaurant; spectators at a pool; and athletes and coaches at a sporting facility are all counted within the maximum number of people permitted in that space.

For mixed use venues with multiple indoor or outdoor spaces, the gathering cap (250 people for indoor, or 500 people for outdoor) applies separately to each single undivided space. For example, a large hotel with multiple, separate indoor spaces (eg conference room, bar, restaurant, foyer, beer garden), is permitted to have up to 250 people for each of these spaces (the density limit applies).

The limits outlined above do not apply to the following specified premises, but the number of people on these premises should not exceed the total number specified in the occupancy permit for the premises under the Building Act 2016. The specified premises are:

  • Airports and premises used for public or commercial transport.
  • Medical or health service facilities, including veterinary facilities
  • Disability or aged care facilities
  • Prisons, correctional facilities, youth justice centres
  • Courts or tribunals
  • Parliament
  • Schools, universities, education institutions, childcare facilities, child and family centres
  • Premises that deliver services and support to disadvantaged community members, eg those providing homeless accommodation, boarding houses, emergency/social housing, child safety services, foodbanks, employment services, and migrant and refugee assistance
  • Indoor and outdoor spaces where people are transiting through
  • Emergency services.

Read more about Gatherings, density limits and physical distancing.

Business restrictions

Businesses permitted to reopen:

  • Indoor amusement parks, play centres, arcades
  • Saunas, spa baths, flotation tanks and bath houses
  • Garage sales, car boot sales, second-hand goods sales
  • Strip clubs
  • Casinos and gaming venues
  • Indoor zoos (in addition to predominately outdoor zoos)
  • Stadiums
  • Markets and food vans at markets
  • Provision of services to a person by a sex worker, within the meaning of the Sex Industry Offences Act 2005
  • Food courts (now includes dine-in)
  • Night clubs (for seated service of alcohol only).

Patrons must be seated in premises where alcohol is sold, meaning activities that are not seated (eg pool, dancing, karaoke, darts) are not permitted. Seated activities, such as quiz nights and bingo, are allowed, as long as patrons remain seated for these activities.

Patron numbers at these and other businesses will be determined by gathering limits, where the maximum density limit permits.

Where practicable, business operators, staff, volunteers and attendees should maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.

The maximum number of people permitted on a premises includes staff, volunteers, children and babies.

Read more about Gatherings, density limits and physical distancing.

Read more about Business restrictions.

Sport, exercise and recreation

Gathering limits will be 500 people (including athletes and support staff) in an undivided space outdoors for community sport and 250 people for an undivided space in an indoor premises, or a maximum of one person per 2 square metres under the density limit, whichever is less.

Sporting activities permitted based on Level C of the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport, meaning the following are permitted:

  • full contact training
  • full competition sport (contact and non-contact)
  • sharing of equipment when necessary
  • use of change rooms and other shared facilities.

Larger teams should consider maintaining some small group separation at training and non-essential social gatherings should be limited.

Sporting facilities and gyms must continue to have a staff member or other authorised person on the premises while open.

Read more about Sport, exercise and recreation.

The Tasmanian Government has currently set a date of Friday 24 July for changes to be made to current border restrictions. However if the public health advice at that time, or in the immediate lead up to that date is that it is not safe to open, border restrictions will remain in place.

Read about the current border restrictions and quarantine requirements.

In line with the easing of restrictions announced by the government, local councils are undertaking a number of protective measures to make sure when their recreational spaces and facilities do open, the safety of the community and council staff is the highest priority.

These recreational spaces and facilities will be re-opened by local councils as soon as possible. Each council will provide updates about re-opening dates on their website and social media pages.

A list of all council websites can be found on the Local Government Association of Tasmania website.

Last update: 18 Jun 2020 9:46am

Term 2 dates (as at 5 June 2020)

Tasmanian Government SchoolsCatholic EducationIndependent Schools
Term 2 commenced 28 April
 
Term 2 concludes 3 July		Term 2 commenced 27 April
 
Term 2 concludes 3 July		Term 2 commenced 27 April
 
Refer to relevant school website for Term 2 end date

Term 2 school arrangements

As of Tuesday 9 June, all school students who are well are expected to be learning back in the classroom.

Students with health concerns that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19 will be supported to continue learning at home where possible. To make arrangements, talk to your school about what support they can provide.

Families with children enrolled at Government and Catholic schools who choose to keep their child at home to learn due to concerns about COVID-19, need to let their school know and take responsibility for supporting their child’s learning.

Families with children enrolled at Independent schools who choose to keep their child at home to learn due to concerns about COVID-19 need to let their school know and discuss the options for supporting their child’s learning.

The Department of Education Learning at Home webpage provides some ideas and activities which may assist in supporting a child’s learning at home. This is accessible to any family with internet access.

Safety

All schools are working hard to apply Public Health and Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) guidance to their site’s practices. Schools are also applying guidance from WorkSafe Tasmania’s COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework.

The AHPPC has recommended schools remain open. Their advice is that pre-emptive closures are not likely to be effective to prevent community transmission of COVID-19 at this time. The most important strategies for schools and the Education and Care sector to implement to assist families to stay healthy include:

  • Promoting personal hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette
  • Additional cleaning (especially of frequently touched surfaces)
  • Encouraging physical distancing by cancelling or postponing a range of activities
  • Supporting staff and families to stay home if they are unwell
  • Supporting those who are more at risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19
  • Looking after the psychological wellbeing of students, staff and families.

Temporary site closures will likely occur when a confirmed case of COVID-19 is identified at a site. This is to support the Department of Health to conduct contact tracing, and provide time for cleaning and re-assurance to the affected school or service community. All temporary closures will be arranged in consultation with Department of Health.

Student transport

For schools that do not operate their own bus services see Transport – School Buses.

For schools with their own bus services, please refer to the relevant school for details.

Student accommodation

All student accommodation facilities (whether Government or Independent) operating in the COVID-19 environment have changed their procedures to include increased cleaning and physical distancing measures as far as practicable. Good personal hygiene and cough/sneeze etiquette is being encouraged as well as strong support for students (and their families) should they become unwell.

Should I send my child to school?

All children who are well should be sent to school. If your child has a health condition which makes them vulnerable to COVID-19, you should talk to your doctor about whether sending them to school at the moment is in their best interests.

Children should not be sent to school if they feel unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms including:

  • fever
  • runny nose
  • cough, sore/itchy throat or
  • shortness of breath

Children should stay home and you should phone your GP or the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for a referral to be tested for COVID-19.

Children should only be returning to school once their cold/flu like symptoms have passed.

If your child has serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000).

Cancellation of school gatherings

The Tasmanian Government has introduced precautionary measures to limit the impact of COVID-19 in schools. Schools have adopted physical distancing measures, including the cancellation of:

  • assemblies and presentation nights
  • excursions
  • travel
  • fetes and fairs
  • concerts (with audiences)
  • sports carnivals
  • school camps (both local and interstate)
  • face-to-face parent teacher meetings.

These restrictions will be in place until further notice.

Child and Family Centres

From 25 May, Child and Family Centres began a staged approach to reopening, with all centres currently open.

Please phone your local CFC to see what service provisions are currently available as there will be occupancy limits based on the current restrictions.

Families can seek support in the following ways:

  • One to one support at the CFC – this includes Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS)
  • Through phone, email and social media

Families will continue to be referred to appropriate services as required. Physical distancing and hygiene measures will be in place in each centre.

For more information visit the Child & Family Centres website.

For more information

Education and Care Services

Education and Care and Child Care Services include long day care, family day care, outside schools hours care and vacation care programs.

These services are performing a vital role providing education and care for children, particularly the children of essential workers, vulnerable and disadvantaged children and previously enrolled children.

Find an Education and Care or Child Care Service

To find a service, families can call the Child Care Family Helpline on 1800 291 041 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Families can also search for early childhood education and child care services online using Starting Blocks and Child Care Finder

The Education & Care Unit within the Department of Education regulates these services in Tasmania and has links to information and organisations offering support for families.

Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package

The Australian Government has confirmed the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package will be extended until 12 July 2020. From 13 July 2020, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) will recommence, with the introduction of new transition measures to support the sector and families through this period.

For more information, please see the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment website. Families and providers may with to consider the Frequently Asked Questions information on the arrangements following the end of the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package in particular.

Support for providers

Information about Government Support for the Education and Care Sector has been developed by the Department of Education.

Providers can call the Education and Care COVID-19 helpline on 1800 816 057 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, for advice on the range of supports available.

Safety

Education and Care Services are working hard to apply any additional Public Health, Workplace Health and Safety and Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) guidance to their practices. The AHPPC has recommended Education and Care services remain open but with additional safety measures in place, including:

  • unwell staff, children and visitors to stay home
  • reduced mixing of children by separating them into groups (including the staggering of meal and play times)
  • enhanced personal hygiene for children, staff and parents, including having liquid soap and running water or alcohol-based hand sanitiser available
  • full adherence to the NHMRC childcare cleaning guidelines, with additional daily cleaning of high-touch surfaces and washing of toys and play items
  • excursions will only be undertaken when risk mitigation strategies, including consideration of risks associated with COVID-19, are in place. Physical distancing and hygiene practices must also be followed
  • public playground equipment may be used by groups of up to 20
  • influenza vaccinations for children, staff and parents will be encouraged

The sector can also consider any other precautionary measures that reduce risks.

Should I send my child to child care?

Children should not be sent to Education and Care services if they feel unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms including:

  • fever
  • runny nose
  • cough, sore/itchy throat or
  • shortness of breath

Children should stay home and you should phone your GP or the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for a referral to be tested for COVID-19. Children should only be returning to Education and Care once their cold/flu like symptoms have passed.

If your child has serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000).

Alternative care arrangements should be considered for those children highly vulnerable to COVID-19. Parents should seek medical advice for these children.

For more information

Education and Care Unit (Department of Education)
Phone: 6165 5425
Email: ecu.comment@education.tas.gov.au

Last update: 26 Jun 2020 12:05pm

Gathering restrictions are in place for sport, exercise and recreational activities.

Easing of restrictions will be assessed by Public Health Services throughout each stage. The following currently applies to sport, exercise and recreation activities in Tasmania.

Gatherings are limited to 500 people (including athletes and support staff) in an undivided space outdoors for community sport and 250 for an undivided space in an indoor premises, or a maximum of one person per 2 square metres under the density limit, whichever is less.

Indoor pools are limited to 250 people (including athletes and support staff) in each single undivided space, or a maximum of one person per 2 square metres under the density limit, whichever is less. Outdoor pools are limited to 500 people (including athletes and support staff) in each single undivided space, or a maximum of one person per 2 square metres under the density limit, whichever is less.

All people in any single undivided space count towards the maximum number of people permitted. For example, spectators at a pool, athletes and coaches, and canteen staff at a sporting facility are all counted within the maximum number of people permitted in that space.

For sporting and recreation facilities with multiple indoor or outdoor spaces, the gathering cap applies separately to each single undivided space. For example, a multi-purpose sporting venue with multiple, separate, undivided indoor spaces, could have up to 250 people in each of these spaces (the density limit applies).

Sporting and gym facilities must ensure there is at least one staff member or other authorised person present to supervise the premises at all times while it is being used (creation and maintenance of a record is recommended).

Sporting activities permitted based on Level C of the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport, meaning the following are permitted:

  • full contact training;
  • full competition sport (contact and non-contact);
  • sharing of equipment where necessary; and
  • use of change rooms and other shared facilities.

Larger teams should consider maintaining some small group separation at training and non-essential social gatherings should be limited.

Gathering limits and the requirement to maintain physical distancing where practical applies to all sports, exercise and recreation.

The government is taking steps to ease COVID-19 restrictions in a balanced way that supports both the health and safety of all Tasmanians.

The Australian Institute of Sport Framework for Rebooting Sport (AIS Framework) is the guiding document for resuming sport and recreation in Tasmania and specifies activities for community and individual sports according to the level of restrictions currently in place.

A return to full sporting activity (indoors and outdoors) in alignment with Level C of the AIS framework comes into place as of midday Friday 26 June 2020.

The maximum density limit of 2 square metres per person applies for outdoor and indoor sport, with a cap of 500 people outdoors and 250 people per single undivided space indoors (participants, athletes, support staff, officials, spectators and volunteers are counted within the maximum).

Where practical, players and athletes should maintain 1.5 metres from other people. Larger teams should consider maintaining some small group separation at training.

Non-essential social gatherings should be limited.

COVID-19 Safety Plan for workplaces

All workplaces (including sporting organisations) are required to implement measures to meet the COVID-19 minimum standards and record this in a COVID-19 Safety Plan.

The WorkSafe Tasmania website outlines the minimum standards that workplaces are required to meet, in order to manage the ongoing risk of COVID-19 transmission. A set of guidelines has been developed to support the sport and recreation sector on how best to meet the minimum standards.

Sporting organisations in Tasmania should prepare COVID-19 Safety Plans to ensure they comply with the minimum standards in relation to physical distancing, cleaning, general hygiene practices and health of participants.

State Sporting Organisations (SSO) should submit their COVID-19 Safety Plans to Communities, Sport and Recreation (CSR) at sportrec@communities.tas.gov.au. CSR will not be providing endorsement of COVID-19 Safety Plans but will be able to check them for general compliance.

All sports clubs and associations should discuss their COVID-19 Safety Plans with their relevant SSO in the first instance.

Sport and recreation facilities

Sport and recreation facility owners and managers are encouraged, as part of their COVID-19 Safety Plan, to consider appropriate control measures when reopening facilities, including cleaning and general hygiene practices.

Change rooms, showers and toilets at sporting centres/facilities are permitted to be used, but people are encouraged to continue to avoid using these facilities where possible. Non-essential personnel should be discouraged from entering change rooms.

Sporting and gym facilities must ensure there is at least one staff member or other authorised person present to supervise the premises at all times while it is being used (creation and maintenance of a record is recommended).

For further information, contact Communities, Sport and Recreation on sportrec@communities.tas.gov.au or 1800 252 476.

Last update: 01 Jul 2020 11:33am

Gathering limits do not apply to:

  • Public transport
  • Commercial passenger transport (eg a shuttle bus as part of a paid tour)
  • Private vehicles, aircrafts or boats (recreational flying and boating is permitted)
  • Community transport services such as those provided by many local councils and NGOs to support access to medical care and other essential services.

Passengers are encouraged to keep physical distancing in mind and choose a seat away from others where possible.

Using buses

Anyone feeling unwell should avoid using public transport.

For short trips, consider walking or cycling.

Travel outside peak periods where possible.

While waiting at bus stops, practice social distancing.

Adults seeking to board a bus which has a high number of passengers are asked to consider waiting for the next service where available. This request does not apply to children.

Practice good hand hygiene. If possible use hand sanitiser before and after catching the bus.

Spread out on board as much as you can. Members of the same household and family groups can sit together.

Avoid touching surfaces inside the bus whenever you can.

Please comply with any requests from your bus driver.

Metro Tasmania has implemented an enhanced cleaning regime of its bus fleet by its contractor, with particular attention being paid to frequently touched surfaces. More information is available on the Metro Tasmania website.

For more information on catching buses safely go to Travel safe together.

Free bus rides ending

Free rides on Tasmania’s buses end on Sunday 5 July 2020. Regular passengers are urged to make sure they have, and top-up, a smartcard where available to help reduce person-to-person contact when handling cash.

Passengers should contact their bus operator to enquire about cashless ticketing options such as smartcards. Using a smartcard will also save you 20 per cent on regular fares.

Where only cash tickets are available, passengers are asked to purchase 10-ride tickets to reduce the number of transactions.

Drivers will accept cash fares but passengers are encouraged to have the correct fare ready when boarding.

Fares payable from Monday 6 July 2020 are listed on the Transport Tasmania and Metro Tasmania websites.

School bus arrangements for Term 2

School bus services to Government, Catholic and Independent schools are operating where the school is open to students. The continued operation of school bus services is being regularly reviewed based on Public Health advice and updates.

The Department of State Growth will monitor school bus demand and consider whether any changes to bus services are needed.

Advice on school bus cleaning has been circulated to all contracted school bus operators in the state with new requirements for more regular cleaning of bus interiors.