KEY POINTS:

Australia’s ODI series with New Zealand is over after the Black Caps made the call to return home.

The state’s fifth case of coronavirus was confirmed on late Friday night.

Health authorities say shutting Tasmania’s borders is unnecessary, describing it as “socially disruptive”

School closures are not currently being recommended

Tasmanians are at “low risk” of catching the virus and no person-to-person transmission has been recorded

Tasmanians should not be discouraged from travelling freely around the country

A public health hotline to manage coronavirus has seen a surge in demand, with 1000 calls recorded in one day alone this week

State Government expected to say more about upcoming large events in coming days after national advice about mass gatherings

PRESSURE GROWS FOR EXTENDED SHUTDOWN

media_camera Linda and Justin Fry who operate stall Salamanca Woodcraft at the market. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Salamanca Market is facing a potentially lengthy closure and a top Hobart restaurant owner is calling for a four-week hospitality shutdown to minimise the spread of coronavirus.

The Hobart City Council said the 48-year-old market, which is Tasmania’s most visited tourist attraction, would likely face indefinite closure from Saturday.

Stallholders said they feared the shutdown could be as long as three months, putting the livelihoods of hundreds of artisans and small farmers at risk.

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YOUR CORONAVIRUS HEALTH QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Experts reveal what Australians must do to avoid catching coronavirus including who is most at risk, how we can test for it and how to stay healthy during the pandemic.

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NEW ZEALAND CRICKET TEAM TO FLY HOME

media_camera Colin de Grandhomme of New Zealand bats during game one of the One Day International series between Australia and New Zealand at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 13. Picture: MATT KING/GETTY IMAGES

The remaining two one-day games between Australia and New Zealand have been cancelled as well as the T20 series later this month as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

It means Tasmania’s only cricket international of the summer will not go ahead.

With the New Zealand cricket team flying home to beat tough new travel restrictions, Friday’s game in Hobart and Sunday’s match at the SCG have been scrapped.

Australia won the first clash between the two sides at the SCG on Friday by 71 runs.

Officials for the teams were informed this afternoon that the New Zealand Government has included Australia on the list of countries from which those entering New Zealand would be subjected to a mandatory 14-day self-isolation.

The new border restrictions come into effect tomorrow at 10pm Hobart time, forcing the Black Caps to rush home.

The bulk of the squad will fly out of Sydney tonight.

The three-match T20I series scheduled for New Zealand can’t proceed as the mandatory self-isolation period would also apply to the Australian squad as soon as it crossed the border into New Zealand.

The hope is the matches can be played in their entirety at a later and more appropriate date.

New Zealand officials were still awaiting test results after fast bowler Lachie Ferguson was put in isolation after reporting to medical staff with a sore throat following Friday’s game at the SCG, which was played without spectators.

The Hobart game was set to be played in an empty stadium as well.

ARDERN INTRODUCES TOUGHEST VIRUS TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS TO NZ

SUPERCARS STILL WEIGHING UP OPTIONS

media_camera Racing at Symmons Plains. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

Supercars Australia says if the Symmons Plains round of the Australian championship on April 3-5 gets cancelled it will bend over backward to bring the roaring V8s to the state later in the year.

The coronavirus scare and cancellation of the Melbourne Grand Prix round of the Supercars has thrown a cloud over the Tasmanian event, round three of the national championship.

Attracting 55,000 punters last year, the motorsport extravaganza is by far the state’s biggest sporting event and one of Tasmania’s biggest annual events, along with Agfest.

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LATEST CORONAVIRUS VICTIM TRAVELLED IN THE AMERICAS

THE latest person diagnosed with coronavirus in Tasmania had been travelling in the US and Canada.

The State Government said the fifth confirmed case of coronavirus in Tasmania is a man in his 60s, who is in a stable condition and in isolation at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

“I’m advised the man recently travelled in North America, including Canada and the USA, and he became unwell after arriving in Tasmania,” Health Minister Sarah Courtney said.

“Of all five confirmed cases of coronavirus in Tasmania, they were all associated with international travel and do not indicate we have had community transmission here in Tasmania.”

media_camera Acting Director of Public Health Dr Scott McKeown. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Acting Director of Public Health Dr Scott McKeown confirmed this latest case was not related to any previous cases and is not due to local transmission in Tasmania.

He said the man travelled to Australia from North America and arrived in Tasmania on Tuesday, March 10.

“Due to the period of time between his arrival in Tasmania and the onset of his symptoms, the man is not believed to be infectious on his flights,” Dr McKeown said.

“Public Health Services has commenced identifying and contacting the man’s close contacts. “These people will be required to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days and will receive daily follow up from PHS staff.”

As of noon on Saturday, 283 tests for coronavirus had been done in Tasmania, with five people testing positive.

KEY FACTS: - Authorities say the risk to Tasmanians from casual contact with a confirmed case is very low - Close contacts with confirmed cases are being managed by Public Health - Anyone who develops respiratory symptoms within 14 days of returning from overseas should self-quarantine and ring the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 or contact their GP - If someone is experiencing extreme symptoms which require emergency treatment, ring 000 or go to the emergency department - All five cases of coronavirus in Tasmania have been associated with international travel and do not indicate community transmission - People can stop the spread of respiratory illness by washing their hands regularly with soap and water and covering sneezes and coughs with a tissue or their elbow - More information is available at the state and national health department websites

NETBALL AUSTRALIA CANCELS NATIONAL NETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

media_camera Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner. Picture: DAVID GERAGHTY / THE AUSTRALIAN

Netball Australia has cancelled national netball championships due to be held in Hobart in April.

The under-17 and under-19 competitions were due to be held from April 18-23.

Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner said the health of players, officials and the public was their priority.

“It was an incredibly difficult decision not to proceed with the National Netball Championships, especially knowing how much preparation by the athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers goes into this event,” she said.

“It is however prudent that we do everything we can to reduce the spread of the virus.”

MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS:

CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS, CREW NOT ALLOWED TO DISEMBARK

media_camera Coronavirus has heavily disrupted the cruise ship industry. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Passengers and crew on luxury cruise ship the MSC Magnifica have been prevented from leaving the vessel while it is docked in Hobart today, in the latest reaction to the coronavirus pandemic.

A TasPorts spokesman said the cruise ship company had elected to keep passengers on board to avoid the risk of contamination.

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SEVERAL MORE EVENTS CANCELLED IN WAKE OF CORONAVIRUS FEARS

media_camera A team at last year’s Relay for Life. The team, from left, are: Aaron Millar, Vicki Millar, Brayden Voss, Oliver Rhodes, 4, Blake Voss, 12, Ruby Rhodes 8, Ann Millar, Linda Voss and Clinton Millar. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation has cancelled the 2020 Put Your Foot Down walk, due to be held in Hobart this Sunday 15 March.

The annual 4km family friendly walk is an opportunity for the local community to unite and raise critical awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer.

“We understand the positive impact the walks have on those who attend, however protecting the health of our supporters and their families, many of whom are cancer patients or carers, is of paramount importance,” said Michelle Stewart, Avner Foundation CEO.

“We sincerely apologise to everyone and thank, in particular, our local volunteers who work hard to create this wonderful event each year.”

Cancer Council Tasmania has also announced that the Circular Head and Launceston Relay For Life events to be held this weekend have been cancelled.

“On advice of the Chief Medical Officer, we have made the decision to cancel all Relay For Life events in Tasmania in 2020,” Cancer Council Tasmania CEO Penny Egan said.

“This will begin with the Circular Head and Launceston events which were to be held this weekend.

“Given the high risk to public health currently posed by COVID-19, and keeping in mind that many who attend our events are in a higher risk group, we know the decision to cancel Relay For Life events is in the best interests of our community.

“Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our volunteers, staff and supporters. You are our most precious asset and we want to look after you.

“We thank you so much for your fundraising and planning efforts for these events so far, we are extremely grateful to you.”

The Relay For Life events to be cancelled are:

Circular Head (Smithton) – March 14

Launceston – March 14-15

Hobart – March 21-22

North-West (Penguin) – March 28-29

Dorset (Scottsdale) – Match 28-29

Sweet Adelines Australia has also cancelled its May 2020 convention in Hobart.

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LABOR CALLS FOR PUBLIC VIRUS CAMPAIGN

media_camera Labor leader Rebecca White during question time in parliament. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Labor says the State Government needs to launch a mass-marketed public awareness campaign to give event organisers direction and stem panic.

Leader Rebecca White said a lack of clear direction was causing confusion and panic among organisers of big public events.

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This coronavirus article is unlocked and free to read in the interest of community health and safety.

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