Tasmanian Government announces end of COVID-19 density and capacity restrictions

The Tasmanian Government has revealed that COVID-19 density and capacity restrictions will be scrapped from midnight on Friday.

Announcing today that activities, events and venues can now operate at pre-COVID capacity, recently appointed Tasmanian Premier, Jeremy Rockliff stated "from pubs and theatres to stadiums to festivals, there will be no limitations on the number of people that can attend.”

Premier Rockliff noted that there would be "no limitations on the number of people that can attend" events, but cautioned that mask requirements would remain in some settings, advising that "we'll have more to say in the coming weeks"

The one person per two square-metre rule will no longer remain in place and all venues and events can operate at pre-COVID capacity, although some may opt to keep restrictions in place as part of their COVID safety plans.

With the Tasmanian Department of Health, advising that the state has a rolling seven-day average of 1007 cases a day, Premier Rockliff went on to say "the number of daily positive cases has stabilised over the past month after cases peaked in April (but) while we are sensibly stepping down restrictions, it does not mean we lose COVID-safe behaviours.

"This is everyone's responsibility (so) please continue to practice good hand hygiene, follow social distancing, test when you have symptoms, stay home when you're unwell, wear masks where they're required in high risks settings or if you choose to do so."

Tasmanian Deputy Director of Public Health, Julie Graham added "businesses may continue to restrict the number of people coming into their premises as part of their COVID safety risk assessment and plans, they would like to continue to protect their staff.

"The events will still be required to practice COVID-safe behaviours, public health will require big events over 5,000 and music events over 2,000 to submit a COVID safety plan to the government."

Image: Hobart's Blundstone Arena.