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Health

Tasmania records 504 new COVID cases, seven people being treated in hospital

More than 150 of the new cases were identified by PCR testing.  (ABC News: Maren Preuss)

 The Tasmanian government will correct what it says are data errors in its tally of the state's COVID-19 cases.

Premier Peter Gutwein said Tuesday's figures will reflect an adjustment downwards of about 1,300 cases, or about 4 per cent in the number of total cases.

Mr Gutwein said it was the "result of a system fault that's been picked up and also some double counting" that happened when some people registered a PCR test result and a rapid antigen test result.

"It doesn't change our understanding of transmission in Tasmania," he said.

Deputy Public Health Director Dr Julie Graham said the errors had been resolved.

"They didn't affect any of our referring on of individuals for appropriate medical care. The main result was some people did get extra messaging related to being cases and related to being released from isolation, and I do apologise for this," Dr Graham said.

News of the error comes on the day authorities said Tasmania had recorded 504 new COVID-19 cases, down from 594 yesterday.

There are 16 people in hospital with the virus but only seven patients are being treated specifically for COVID, down from 10 yesterday. 

One person is in intensive care and is being ventilated.

The Department of Health said 1,735 rapid antigen tests had been delivered to households and 1,235 lab tests had been carried out. 

Of the new cases, 157 were identified through PCR lab testing and 347 through RATs.

There were no COVID-related deaths. 

Deputy Health Commander Dale Webster said 81 healthcare workers were COVID-positive, and another 84 were isolating as close contacts.

Mr Webster said there were 14 COVID outbreaks in Tasmanian aged care homes.

Pop-up vax clinics to focus on 5-11yo kids

Pop-up clinics are being set up across Tasmania this week so five to 11-year-olds can get their first dose of vaccine.  (Supplied: WA Health)

The state government is setting up pop-up clinics to get as many five to 11-year-olds vaccinated with their first dose before schools go back on February 9.

The first clinics are in South Launceston and Bridgewater.

"We need to get as many of our kids vaccinated as possible," government minister Roger Jaensch told the ABC's Mornings program.

"If you're in those areas, if your kids haven't had their first shot … you don't need a booking, they'll take whoever walks in.

"We'll be rolling out other sites each day this week to raise awareness but also to provide flexibility and convenience for people who haven't been able to make a booking so by the time they return to school, as many children as possible will have had their first shot."

Almost half of Tasmanian children aged 5-11 have received a first dose of a COVID vaccine.

For those eligible for a booster dose of a COVID vaccine, the time between receiving a second dose and a booster dose reduces to three months from Tuesday.

Mr Gutwein said there were "plenty of appointments available" for vaccinations.

Transition phase continuing

Mr Gutwein said Tasmania was still "transitioning" to a situation where the state "could live with COVID like we do with other respiratory diseases such as the flu" and where face mask rules could be eased.

"Obviously that will be a matter for Public Health to determine," he said.

He said a review of the state's check in rules was expected to be completed within the next week to 10 days, but there were no changes at this stage.

"I would encourage people to continue to check in," he said.

More information on where to get a COVID test, vaccination bookings and requirements for travellers can be found on the Tasmanian government website.

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