UPDATED: Several Derwent Valley businesses have been named as “precautionary exposure sites” after having been visited by a healthcare worker who has since been diagnosed with COVID-19. The Tasmanian Public Health Service says there is no evidence that the person was infectious while in Tasmania, but precautions are being taken.
Anyone who was at any of the “precautionary exposure sites” at specified times and dates last month, has been asked to self-isolate and seek a COVID-19 test. The local sites are:
- New Norfolk: United Petroleum petrol station, between 9.30am and 10am on June 26.
- Maydena: Fika Time Cafe, between 11am and 11.15am on June 26.
- Strathgordon: Pedder Wilderness Lodge, including gym, between 2.30pm and midnight on June 26.
- Strathgordon: Pedder Wilderness Lodge between 12.01am and 8.30am on June 27.
- Strathgordon: Pedder Wilderness Lodge between 12.01am and 8.30am on June 28.
- Strathgordon: Pedder Wilderness Lodge, reception & toilets, between 12.30pm and 1pm on June 28.
The Tasmanian Public Health Service says anyone who visited those locations during those times must isolate immediately, call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to arrange a COVID-19 test, and continue to isolate until they receive a negative result.
The declaration of precautionary COVID-19 exposure sites comes after a person tested positive for COVID-19 in London, England, two days after they left Tasmania. The health service says there is no evidence that the person contracted COVID-19 while in Tasmania, or that they were infectious while they were in Tasmania.
The person worked at the Launceston General Hospital until June 20, and then spent a number of days travelling the state before leaving for the United Kingdom, travelling through Melbourne and Singapore. On July 4 in England, they tested positive for COVID-19.
The health service is taking a precautionary approach to ensure there is no risk to the Tasmanian community. It urges all Tasmanians to check the list of precautionary exposure sites and to re-check at least daily as more sites may be added. Two other people, who the person stayed with before departing the state , have returned negative tests for COVID-19.
Anyone who has been at the listed sites at the specified dates and times must self-isolate, contact the Public Health Hotline immediately and seek a COVID-19 test. Impacted people can leave isolation once they receive a negative test result. To organise a test, call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
- The Fika Time Cafe at Maydena has closed for several days while the owner self-isolates and has a COVID-19 test.
- Staff of the Pedder Wilderness Lodge who working during the relevant period are self-isolating and being tested for COVID-19. The lodge remains open, with staff who have either tested negative or were not working at the time.
- Pandemic assistance grants of up to $250 will be available to affected workers at the precautionary exposure sites.
