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Health

Tasmania records fourth COVID-19 death since reopening border and 712 new cases

More than 81 per cent of the total Tasmanian population has had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. (ABC News: Maren Preuss)

An 80-year-old woman has become the fourth COVID-related death in Tasmania since the state's border reopened to hotspots last month.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the woman was admitted to hospital on January 13 and was being treated for "COVID pneumonia".

"I would like to pass on my sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the woman who has sadly passed away yesterday," Mr Gutwein said.

The latest death comes a day after the state recorded its third death, a 79-year-old woman with underlying health issues.

There have been 712 new coronavirus cases detected in the latest reporting period, a slight rise from yesterday's 643.

There are 28 people in hospital, 11 specifically being treated for their COVID-19 symptoms, a drop from the 15 yesterday.

There are three people in ICU.

Nearly 1,000 people were released from isolation yesterday and active cases in the state have continued to drop.

Tasmania gives RATs to federal dept

Labor leader Rebecca White has criticised the state government for selling $30,000 worth of rapid antigen tests to the Federal Agriculture, Water and Environment Department.

"Tasmanians are being told every day by the Premier to register for RATs through the Public Health Hotline but even those who are registering are finding they are not available," Ms White said.

"But it appears Mr Gutwein is more interested in helping Scott Morrison than he is in helping Tasmanians."

But Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the tests were supplied to the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) under the Centre of Antarctic Remote and Maritime Medicine Partnership.

"The Tasmanian government recognises the important work that the AAD does and providing an interim supply of RATs will ensure that they can continue to undertake this critical work," he said.

"Let me be clear, the Tasmanian government maintains a sufficient supply for current and projected demand."

Tasmania past Omicron peak, Veitch says

Yesterday, Public Health director Mark Veitch said he believed the state was past its Omicron wave peak.

"The trends we are seeing are reflecting a reduction in community transmission from the levels that we were experiencing earlier this month," he said.

"There's been a similar trend in most other states and territories."

In a statement today announcing the death, Mr Gutwein said Tasmania was going through a "transition phase".

"The evidence remains clear that the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated," he said.

"If you haven't had your first or your second dose, or if you're due for your booster, please make a booking as soon as possible."

The state government recently announced that booster dose eligibility would be dropped from next month from four months after the second dose to three.

I've had COVID, can I get it again?
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