Moderate risk level explained
There are things you can do to help reduce the risk catching and spreading COVID-19.
To help you understand what the level of risk is in the community and to provide advice about what is the appropriate action to take we operate a three-stage risk level system in Tasmania.
The three levels are Low, Moderate and High.
Find out about the different risk levels and how they can help you make informed decisions to enhance your personal safety.
What does Moderate risk level look like in Tasmania?
When the COVID-19 risk level in Tasmania is Moderate it means cases of COVID-19 per day in the state are increasing
There are cases of COVID-19 in hospitals and outbreaks in aged care facilities and other settings. You may notice family and friends with COVID-19 and staff away sick from work.
More people will be wearing masks and you will hear more about COVID-19 in the media and from the Government and Department of Health.
This is because there is more community spread of COVID-19. The moderate risk category includes a wide range of situations, like recent COVID-19 waves, or a typical influenza season.
During the winter season there is also increased risk from other respiratory illnesses including Influenza (flu) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
When the risk level is Moderate we need to take additional steps to prevent infection and serious illness, particularly among people at higher risk from respiratory illnesses.
Do these changes happen as soon as we move into the Moderate risk level?
These recommended measures are a guideline.
The Moderate risk level covers a range of circumstances. As the situation is monitored and changes, Public Health will update advice, so it remains proportionate and appropriate.
What do I need to do when the risk level is at Moderate?
There are certain COVID-safe behaviours and things that we should do in our everyday lives and routines to help protect us and others from COVID-19, regardless of the risk level.
These behaviours are listed below, but when the risk level in Tasmania is Moderate it means COVID-19 is circulating widely in our community. In winter when we also see more respiratory illness, we need to do more than our simple behaviours to manage the risk.
The full list of what we need to do when the risk level is at Moderate is listed below:
Everyone
- Be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations
- Stay home and get tested for COVID-19 if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms, no matter how mild
- If you test positive by RAT, register your result
- Stay at home while you still have symptoms
- Wear a mask in indoor public places for 7 days after your positive test
- If you have COVID-19 or cold or flu-like symptoms do not visit high risk settings or people at higher risk from respiratory illness for at least 7 days
- If you have been in close contact with a person who tests positive to COVID-19 – be alert for symptoms
- Cover coughs and sneezes and keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water, or by using alcohol-based hand sanitiser
- Public Health recommends wearing a face mask in crowded indoor spaces, on Public Transport, and when visiting people who may be at risk of severe illness.
People at risk of severe illness
- Wear a face mask in indoor or crowded public settings
- Make or review your testing and treatment plan with your GP for when you get cold or flu symptoms
- Get tested as soon as you have symptoms
- Seek urgent treatment if you test positive for COVID-19 - it is very important to get treatment early
High Risk Settings (including hospitals, residential aged care and disability residential settings)
- Implement the increased risk mitigation measures in your Work, Health and Safety Plan. These may include:
- Health screening and mask wearing for all staff and visitors
- Staff surveillance RATs
- Enhanced Personal Protective Equipment and Infection Prevention and Control measures
- Look out for cases and manage cases and outbreaks quickly
- Maximise ventilation
- Keep informed
Businesses
- Review Work, Health and Safety and Business Continuity plans
- Additional measures may include health reminders and supporting mask wearing for staff and visitors
- Support close contacts and staff at higher risk from COVID-19 to work from home where possible
- Maximise ventilation