The Tasmanian government has declared a state of emergency and placed tough new restrictions on mainland Australians seeking entry.

Introducing the toughest border control measures in the country, Premier Peter Gutwein announced on Thursday that anyone seeking entry to Tasmania from anywhere else in Australia from midnight Friday would now be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

“Only essential travellers will be allowed into Tasmania without going into quarantine,” he said.

The declared state of emergency means the Police Commissioner Darren Hine will take operational control of the state’s battle against coronavirus.

Health authorities will not only work with the police commissioner, Gutwein said, but also answer to him.

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The quarantine measures will not apply to health care workers, emergency workers, defence personnel, air and ship crew, specialists, and essential freight personnel, the premier said.

Heavy fines

“We know that for some it will create disruption, but our aim is to ensure that we protect the health, wellbeing and safety of Tasmanians,” he said.

All passengers will be screened on arrival and must demonstrate they meet the essential traveller criteria.

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If they are deemed non-essential, they will be directed to quarantine at their stated place of address.

People who breach quarantine could be fined up to $16,800 or face up to six months in prison.

Three new virus cases were confirmed on Wednesday night, taking the state total to 10, although there has been no evidence of local transmission.