Coronavirus: Tasmanian hospital staff test positive for COVID-19

Two hospital staff are among the latest confirmed coronavirus cases in Tasmania as testing ramps up in the state's north.

The island state has 80 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Friday night after six new positive tests.

Among the latest cases, two staff at North West Regional Hospital in Burnie have tested positive, the state's chief medical officer Tony Lawler confirmed.

A probe is underway to identify and contact anyone who had close contact with the staff inside or outside of the hospital.

An incident management team has been established to find out who may be at risk of exposure at the hospital and to take necessary action.

Meanwhile, the testing criteria in the Devonport area has been widened to anyone showing virus symptoms, Deputy Public Health Director Scott McKeown said.

There is yet to be evidence of community transmission in Tasmania.

But police will patrol weekend farmers markets in Tasmania to make sure people are obeying strict coronavirus social distancing measures.

Produce markets are virtually the only outdoor event permitted in the island state amid the COVID-19 crisis.

"Buy what you need and then go straight home," Acting Deputy Commissioner Jonathan Higgins said in a statement.

"By now, everyone knows what they must do."