Tasmania is dropping mandatory mask-wearing requirements for a host of settings but health authorities still strongly recommend they be worn.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The state recorded 1129 new COVID-19 infections on Friday, pushing the island's number of active cases to 6192 - a figure that has been trending upwards since mid-February.
It was announced the mask mandate would be dropped for retail customers, hospitality patrons and at indoor and outdoor events, gyms, places of worship and workplaces from 5pm on Friday.
Masks will remain compulsory in high-risk settings including hospitals, aged care, schools and public transport.
Premier Peter Gutwein indicated individual businesses could still enforce mask wearing for customers and staff.
"What we've been suggesting to businesses is that they run a risk assessment. If (a business) believes they need to put in place other measures, they can," he told reporters.
State Public Health Director Mark Veitch indicated Tasmania's true number of active cases is likely to be double the reported figure.
"Please don't discard your masks and please don't discard the idea of wearing them," he said.
"Even though COVID is mostly not causing serious illness it is widespread and there remains a considerable risk of catching it.
"While you are no longer required to wear a mask in many settings, I still strongly recommend considering wearing a mask while COVID is relatively common in the community."
Tasmania recorded 1167 new cases on Thursday, 1109 on Wednesday, 1051 on Tuesday and 784 on Monday.
There are 16 people with the virus in hospital, with eight of those being treated for COVID-19. Four patients are in intensive care, a drop of one from Thursday.
The state has recorded 13 virus deaths since reopening borders in mid-December and 26 in total.
"We're in a situation where the case numbers, despite being high, are relatively stable," Dr Veitch said.
"We're not seeing an increase in cases going to hospital. Our death rate is mercifully quite low."
Mr Gutwein said 102 schools had experienced COVID-19 outbreaks, which are classified as five or more cases in one class.
About half of Tasmania's daily cases are people aged under 20, with primary school children accounting for the highest rate of infection.
State Health Commander Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said some 17,000 children aged 5-11 had not yet been vaccinated.
Australian Associated Press
