All "non-essential" travellers arriving in Tasmania will be forced to quarantine for two weeks under coronavirus border measures dubbed the toughest in the country.
Premier Peter Gutwein declared a state of emergency for the island on Thursday, introducing the "toughest border measures in the country".
"Only essential travellers will be allowed into Tasmania without going into quarantine," he told reporters.
The measures come into effect from midnight on Friday but won't apply to health care workers, emergency workers, defence personnel, air and ship crew, specialists, and essential freight personnel.
A coronavirus assessment clinic in Launceston. Source: AAP
"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," Mr Gutwein said.
All passengers will be screened on arrival and must demonstrate they meet the essential traveller criteria.
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.
Three new virus cases in Tasmania were confirmed on Wednesday night, taking the state total to 10, although there has been no evidence of local transmission.
As of Tuesday afternoon, only people who have recently travelled from overseas or have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case and experienced symptoms within 14 days are advised to be tested.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
