An elderly woman has become Tasmania's first coronavirus death, as people are warned they could be arrested for disobeying national social gathering orders.
The woman aged in her 80s died on Monday morning in the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends," Premier Peter Gutwein said.
"They're being provided the support and care they need at this time."
Public Health Director Mark Veitch said the woman had been unwell for some days, but wouldn't provide other details due to privacy concerns.
The state's tally of confirmed cases grew to 69 on Monday after three women tested positive for COVID-19.
Mr Veitch said one of the women is a close contact of a known case, another was a recently arrived traveller from overseas while the third recently travelled aboard a cruise ship.
Australia's COVID-19 death tally rose to 18 on Monday following the deaths of the Tasmanian woman and an ACT woman also aged in her 80s.
Tasmania will strictly enforce a national ban on social gatherings of more than two people, which comes into force from midnight on Monday.
People have been ordered to stay home unless they're going to work or school, getting essential or medical supplies, providing compassionate care, or exercising.
Mr Gutwein said anyone who doesn't follow the order will be committing an offence and could be arrested and charged.
He urged people to take responsibility for their movements.
"There will be more deaths if this gets away from us. There will be more families burying loved ones," he warned.
The order will be in place for four weeks after which it will be reviewed.
On-the-spot fines of $750 to $1000 are being considered for those who break the ban on gatherings of more than two people.
Investigations are ongoing into two cases of potential community transmission at Devonport in the state's north.
Mr Veitch said 22 people linked to the two cases, neither of whom recently travelled overseas or on a cruise ship, are in quarantine.
Mr Gutwein urged people with holiday homes to stay in one residence and not move around the state.
Ten people have been issued on-the-spot fines for camping in banned areas.
Australian Associated Press
