​AST has undertaken precautionary measures in response to COVID-19 coronavirus. It is important to us that we minimise the risk of spreading the virus through the community whilst continuing to provide a high quality testing service for Tasmania.

Changes to sample reception: Physical distancing is an important part of this response and as such you will see some changes to our front foyer and sample reception area. Sample reception has been moved out to the airlock between the automatic doors. We have provided a doorbell for notifying AST staff when you drop off samples. There is a separate door bell for the Public Health Lab. If you are delivering samples ring the doorbell and staff will come and collect them. We ask that you please adhere to the appropriate responsible distancing of 1.5m and avoid any direct contact such as hand shaking. If you need more sample bottles it would be helpful if you could phone or email us in advance so we can have them ready for you when you arrive. We request that at least 24 hours notice is given for bottles orders due to changes we have made to our on-site staffing levels during this time.

Hand sanitiser is provided in the sample reception area.

Telephone contact: there are currently some intermittent issues with the phone network as a consequence of the volume of calls to Public Health. If you are having difficulty calling us please email your enquiry to ASTClientServices@ast.tas.gov.au or enquiries@ast.tas.gov.au

Continuity: We are working with suppliers and staff to ensure there is minimal disruption to our services and have developed a risk management plan to protect key areas of our operation. As you can appreciate the situation is still evolving and there are ongoing changes being implemented by governments. We will update you if there are any changes that may affect our services.​​