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A Royal Hobart Hospital staffer has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting urgent testing of colleagues and patients who may have been exposed to the virus.
The latest case, announced by Tasmania’s Department of Health late on Friday night, lifts the number of active infections in the state to 80.
Earlier on Friday authorities reported 27 new coronavirus infections, the state’s most on a single day since the beginning of the pandemic.
A department statement said the Royal Hobart Hospital had stood up an Incident Management Team which was prioritising testing staff and patients who may have been exposed to the positive case.
It said all appropriate precautionary measures were in place and there had been no breaches of the use of PPE identified.
“All employees at the RHH have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination,” the statement said.
“These factors significantly minimise the risk of exposure and transmission.”
Additional cleaning was underway and additional PPE would be worn by staff in areas where the employee worked.
All Tasmania’s active cases have come since December 15, when the state reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travellers.
More than 150 exposure sites have now been listed on the state’s public health website, with 15 of those considered ‘close contact’ locations.
More than 91 per cent of Tasmanians aged over 12 are fully vaccinated.
Premier Peter Gutwein has held firm on his decision to reopen to mainland hotspots despite calls from the Greens to again close to NSW and Victoria.
Tasmania has a mask mandate for indoor venues, public transport and ride-sharing services.
Australian Associated Press
