Resources sector considered critical as COVID rules change

Workers in the resources sector are among those considered 'critical' under new rules to ensure the provision of essential services. They are among Queensland workers who’ll be able to continue to provide essential services while they are classified close contacts. Others sectors include groceries, petrol, energy, water and freight. Workers will need to be fully vaccinated and must both wear a mask and be asymptomatic, said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Critical or essential workers who are eligible and are able to work during the usual close contact quarantine period will be required to: travel to and from work in a private vehiclewhile travelling and working, wear appropriate PPEmaintain personal hygiene (hand washing etc)undertake regular symptom surveillance undertake a RAT on Day 6, consistent with the requirements for all close contacts Quick quarantine If at any stage they develop symptoms, they need to return to quarantine immediately, Ms Palaszczuk said. “We know the number of COVID-19 cases will continue to rise over the coming weeks,” she said. “People need to be able to have their lights on, have food in the fridge and have running water. “We want to ensure our hospitals are staffed, food continues to be delivered to our supermarkets and we can still fill our cars at the petrol station.” Employers need to determine if their organisation or business falls under the narrow list of critical industries, then identify which roles within their organisation are critical and cannot be performed from home, before notifying the Queensland Government. A ‘critically essential worker’ will be defined as someone employed in one of the following industries, who must be in the workplace to do their job: health emergency services, including Policethe resource sector power/utilitiesagriculture and fisheries productionfreight and logisticspublic transportteachersessential retail such as supermarkets and stores in remote locations/communitiesmajor manufacturing, distribution, and critical supply chains (for example food and petrol). Ensuring essential services The approach was a balanced one to ensure people had access to essential supplies and services said Health Minister Yvette D’Ath. “That’s why we’ve specified a number of precautions that close contacts need to follow if they are going to attend their place of work,” Ms D’Ath said. “Once they receive a negative Day 6 RAT result they can continue going about their normal routine without the additional requirements.“While they can go to work if they are a critical worker, they must continue to follow all other quarantine requirements.”

Resources sector considered critical as COVID rules change

Industry Queensland

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