Tasmania has locked down its aged care homes to protect vulnerable residents.
Premier Peter Gutwein announced that from noon today (April 7) visits to aged care residents will be restricted to end of life support and essential visits by doctors and medical staff.
Residents will not be permitted to leave an aged care facility unless it's for essential medical requirements as arranged by facility management.
"These are tough measures, as many of us have people we care for in hospitals and aged care homes and I know that this will cause distress to many people," said the Premier.
"But we must do everything we can to keep aged care facilities and covid-clear areas of the hospitals free of the deadly coronavirus."
Pat Sparrow chief executive of peak body Aged and Community Care Australia said providers would focus on increasing social support and access to technology.
"The first priority must be safety and we know this decision has not been made lightly. Providers will do everything we can to support our residents through this difficult time.
"Families will find it hard to be separated from their loved ones at this time. We are acutely aware of the impact of social isolation. We will be ramping up special measures for social and mental health support like access to video conferencing.
"We encourage all families and friends to keep in touch with loved ones via the phone, video calling or social media. Providers will offer support and work with you to make sure this can occur.
"We are also seeking to work with the government to clarify and improve new rules regarding residents being able to leave a home.
"It's important to note that the Premier and providers will review this decision every two weeks to decide if this level of restriction is still necessary," said Ms Sparrow
Greater restrictions have also been placed on hospitals - no patient visits will be permitted, except for a support person due to the birth of a child, a parent, carer or guardian for an ill child or dependent person, or for end of life support for patients. Visitors to patients must be well and comply with strict screening requirements.
This follows an outbreak of COVID-19 in the North West Regional Hospital, which has affected both medical staff, and a patient.