Uncertainty for events as Hobart and southern Tasmania enter snap three-day Covid lockdown

The Tasmanian Government has been compelled to reintroduce Coronavirus restrictions for Hobart and southern Tasmania from 6pm yesterday evening as a result of a COVID-19 infected man from NSW having entered the state illegally and then escaped hotel quarantine

Tasmanian Premier, Peter Gutwein, announced a range of restrictions would be in force across a dozen local government areas over a three-day perido.

The lockdown was sparked by a 31-year-old man who was arrested on Tuesday afternoon at a home in Hobart’s northern suburbs.

He had earlier allegedly escaped from Hobart’s Travelodge facility and hads not co-operated with authorities and provided false information about his movements.

Premier Gutwein told reporters “one of the things that we do not want to be in this state is either Sydney or Melbourne, who acted too late in both instances when dealing with Delta

“To be frank, we are not certain if we are being told the truth or not, which is why we’ve taken this action. It is very disappointing, the circumstances we find ourselves in.”

Tasmania, which has maintained a hard border with mainland Australia, has just two active cases and has only recorded three this year.

Under the stay-at-home orders, people can only leave their homes for five reasons, including shopping for essential supplies. Many businesses are being forced to shut their doors while uncertainty surrounds upcoming events.

With a series of Women’s Big Bash League fixtures currently being played in Tasmania, matches scheduled for Hobart’s Blundstone Arena are likely to go ahead but without crowds.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania, which earlier this week had advised of record online ticket sales for next weekend’s Royal Hobert Show, will make a decision on Monday (18th October) whether it can hold this year’s Show.

The Show is due to commence on Wednesday 20th October and run through to Saturday 23rd October,

The Society has advised that it will closely monitor the situation over the weekend, and will liaise with its key Show stakeholders.

The Society has been forced to cancel its Art on Show launch, due to occur on Monday.

The Royal Hobart Show was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. This year, it is due to celebrate 200 years of agricultural showing in Hobart.

Image: Women’s Big Bash League fixtures set for Hobart’s Blundstone Arena are likely to go ahead but without crowds.