Speaking at his daily press conference, Premier Peter Gutwein said Tasmanians should not underestimate the gravity of the situation.
“I have been saying for weeks that this is serious, that people will die and unfortunately Tasmania now has its first death,” he said.
“All Tasmanians need to accept and understand that this is not a game, this is serious, people’s lives are at risk.”
The Premier also confirmed the Tasmanian government would enforce the new ban on social gatherings, reduced from 10 to two people, from midnight tonight.
The tougher restrictions were announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday night, and are to be enforced by states.
“From midnight tonight, unless you are going to work or school, getting essential or medical supplies, exercising [or] providing compassionate care, you will need to remain in your primary place of residence and you will be committing an offence if you don’t,” Gutwein said.
“If you want to go for a walk, you can do it with one other person.
“A bike ride, play golf, run, a horse ride, it can only be with one other person.
“Our police will ensure that they enforce this – you’ll be able to be arrested, you’ll be charged and summonsed.”
People with holiday homes will not be allowed to travel between their primary and secondary residences.
Gutwein said he had “the department at the moment looking at a range of on-the-spot fines” of between $750 to $1000.
The restrictions will be in place in Tasmania for four weeks and reviewed after that.
There have been 66 coronavirus cases in Tasmania, with four more recorded late on Sunday.
