Well – hasn’t 2022 started with a bang? Cyclones, tsunamis and of course the Omicron variant which continues to wreak havoc across the globe. I hope you at least managed to get some time to relax over the Christmas and New Year period. Looks like we might need our A-game to get us through the first few months of this year. We can definitely say that the last few years have not been dull!

As we learn to live with the COVID-19 virus and its variants there are a few things I thought I would share that might help you and your employees.

Masks: must be worn in all indoor areas (including offices) in most states
QR Code Check ins: required at retail premises or areas where the general public access your business.
No vaccine =No Entry: Some premises may choose to require people to be fully vaccinated or to wear a mask as a condition of entry. It is a matter for the occupier of each premises to exercise judgement on what is appropriate for their premises and the well-being of their staff and customers.


What do you need to if a worker tests positive to COVID?
Each state has slightly different rules so please check your relevant state requirements via the links at the bottom of this email.

1. Tell the worker who has tested positive for COVID-19 to return home directly and follow the advice from their state health authority.
2. Ensure the safety of the workplace and workers, for example by cleaning and disinfecting all areas used by the person who tested positive for COVID-19.
3. Businesses should assess how much contact other workers had with the person who tested positive for COVID-19, while that person was infectious in the workplace. Definition of a close contact is someone that spends more than 4 hours with an affected individual in a household-like situation.
4. Advise workers and contractors of the general situation, noting that the privacy and confidentiality of the person who tested positive for COVID-19 must always be maintained.
5. Casual Contacts can continue working as long as they monitor for symptoms and stay home if they feel unwell.
6. As of 13th January 2022, the Prime Minister announced that Building and Construction workers are now classified as Priority 2 critical workers. This means that workers who are classified as “close contacts” are also able to leave self isolation to attend work in certain circumstances, but only if they have no symptoms.

For Government Critical Workers release click here

The above exemption is subject to the following conditions:

• Critical workers must only attend work if approved by or on behalf of their employer for the purpose of the exemption. (A worker will only be eligible for the exemption if their employer determines that their absence from the workplace poses a high risk of disruption to the delivery of critical services or activities; and they are unable to work from home.)
• Critical workers must travel directly to and from their home and their workplace(s). They cannot leave home for other purposes.
• Critical workers must wear a mask at all times in the workplace, unless eating or drinking or if the mask needs to be removed for safety reasons.
• Critical workers must undergo daily rapid antigen tests (RATs) for a period of 7 days from when they last had contact with the diagnosed person, and must notify their employer of each result.
• Any person who tests positive for COVID-19 following a RAT must immediately self-isolate for 7 days or if a critical worker develops any symptoms of COVID-19, they must immediately self-isolate and may only return to work with evidence of a negative PCR test taken after the onset of symptoms.
• Critical workers must comply with any other reasonable measures put in place by their employer to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19

These essential services should ensure that eligible staff have received a booster vaccination when eligible and engage in ongoing education and training to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and not attend work when unwell through an ongoing process of training and communication.

When can workers are return to work?
Workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 can return to work after they are medically cleared. This means they have completed the required isolation period and are no longer infectious. The isolation period is currently7 days from the day they tested positive for COVID-19 by PCR or RAT. They can only leave self-isolation after 7 days if they do not have a sore throat, runny nose, cough or shortness of breath.

Does a worker have to self isolate if they have already had COVID?
If they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 30 days there is no further requirement for them to self isolate if they are a close contact of a COVID-19 case (unless they have symptoms).

If they come into contact with someone with COVID-19 more than 1 month after they have completed the isolation period after a positive test they will need to self-isolate, test and follow the normal advice.

Need HR support?
This challenging time may create some new HR issues for your business. Remember we are here to help and AGWA’s HR support line is available for all members to give advice. Contact us for information.

State COVID Information links
As mentioned above – all states have slightly different rules and requirements for business so please go to your state specific link below for local information.

New South Wales

Queensland

Tasmania

Victoria

South Australia

Western Australia

Northern Territory

ACT

I am excited about what the new year will bring for us all. As always if you need any advice or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact myself or any of my colleagues at AGWA.

I look forward to working with you in 2022.

Take care, stay safe and look after each other

Melissa Baker

National Industry Development Manager