Tasmanian Government All Staff TASMANIAN STATE SERVICE

,, ,.,, Tasmanian Government All Staff TASMANIAN STATE SERVICE

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Dear Colleagues You may be aware that the Premier has announced that Tasmania yesterday recorded its first case of novel coronavirus (COVID 19). I am writing to you to reassure you that appropriate action is being taken to manage the risk of the infection spreading in our community, and to remind you to take simple steps to protect yourself. The State Emergency Management Committee convened yesterday to discuss support to the Department of Health on their management of this matter. Tasmania is well prepared to manage infectious diseases, and we are working with national health authorities to ensure a consistent and well-managed approach to COVID 19. There are simple steps that you can take to protect yourselfand others: please remember to wash and dryyour hands often and well, to cough and sneeze into your elbow, and to keep your distance from others who are coughing and sneezing. I encourage you to refer to the Tasmanian Department of Health's website: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/news/2020/coronavirus update. Further information is available on the Australian Government Department of Health website: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health­ alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert. It's normal that others may look to you to answer questions, or you may have questions yourself. The Public Health Hotline is the best source for any general and clinical advice relating to the coronavirus: 1800 671 738. This is also the number to call if you are concerned that you may have been exposed to the coronavirus. Yourssincerely

Jenny Gale Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet Head of the State Service