Ian Macfarlane and representatives from DoR provided an update to the QRC Covid-19 Working Group as follows (actions in bold):

  • There are no significant changes to report this week.
  • As expected, positive case numbers are continuing to rise across the State. A total of 238 and 274 positive cases from PCR tests have been reported in Rockhampton and Mackay PHUs respectively today.
  • Reported numbers may be understated as RAT’s test results are contained in a full state database and not included in these numbers.
  • There is no indication of when more Rapid Antigen tests will be available as yet.
  • Members attention was drawn to the recent negative news article by CFMEU regarding the Resources industry’s management of the current crisis. QRC has released a statement in response and has subsequently had a discussion with CFMEU Steve Smyth to discuss further.  It was noted that the PHUs have been very complimentary regarding the industry’s handling of the crisis to date.   DoR also congratulated members on the management of the crisis under difficult and testing circumstances.
  • A review of the procedure to remove resource workers who test positive whilst on site is currently being undertaken by DoR and QH and will be distributed once it is finalised.
  • It was confirmed that QH do not consider RAT testing of workers before commencing their shift to be necessary.
  • Positive cases do not require a final test on day 5 or 7 and can leave isolation providing they have no symptoms. A cough sometimes may persist but provided they have no other symptoms, they are not infectious and can leave quarantine after 7 days.
  • It was noted that the virus can be caught more than once; either by the same variant or from one of the other variants. If there is a reoccurrence of symptoms more one month after the initial positive result, they should be re-tested and isolate accordingly.
  • Close contact cases should be re-tested on day 5 and providing the result is negative, can leave isolation on day 7.
  • DoR has received 67 essential worker notifications. Whilst there has not been a need to follow up with companies to investigate specific role requests, DoR has had discussions with a few companies regarding the high number of essential worker requests.  DoR reiterated that essential contract worker requests should be included in mining company requests.  DoR again requested that companies take a pragmatic approach regarding the requirement of a role as an essential worker, citing the recent application for a Pest Control worker as an example.
  • DoR is currently transitioning from email to a Portal system to disseminate information.
  • QRC confirmed that a new link to the essential worker template was circulated during the week.
  • Members were reminded to please email QRC with details as follows:
    • updates regarding their company’s RAT supply access, on-site or pre-work testing protocols etc;
    • numbers of on-site positive cases;
    • current management of production; (effect of absenteeism) and
    • any present concerns.
  • This information is helpful to QRC when liaising with Government and Queensland Health. The information shall remain confidential and will be discussed generically as required to support the industry’s position.
  • Members were asked to provide regional Mayors with regular updates, particularly around the number of positive cases at their respective sites.

 

Questions

  • A member queried the protocols around a worker who is at site when a member of their household receives a positive test result within a short period after the worker has departed from the household.
  • DoR took this question on notice and will circulate a clear directive that will also include household contacts.