30 April 2020 | QRC COVID-19 Working Group meeting

  • QRC COVID-19 Working Group spoke about the following:
    • Companies are reminded to maintain safe procedures and protocols when “hot seating”, including sanitising cabins between shifts/operator changes through wipe down procedures.
    • Companies were also reminded to ensure residents of workers camps were following social distancing protocols and all Qld Health requirements.
    • Qantas seeking feedback from companies about flights. Please get in touch with Elsa if you have any concerns – details on the QRC COVID-19 website.
    • Information available on the QRC website regarding close-contact definition has been provided by the Chief Health Officer. ‘Close contact’ (15-minute cumulative total) is for very close contact, such as that between partners and family. There are not many workplace scenarios that would qualify. For example, truck cabs would fall under the enclosed space definition with a 2-hour cumulative limit over a week.
    • Significant reduction in pro-active isolation cases from staff. Early cases were related to travel, which has obviously reduced.
    • Encourage staff to download the COVID-19 app to provide Federal Government with confidence needed to relax measures.
    • Reminder about the flu-shot. Some members including families in provisions. Focus on community health rather than productivity impact of illness.
    • No indication from Government regarding work from home recommendation changes. Progress will likely be determined by the rate the COVID-19 app is downloaded.
    • Regional Community Infrastructure Fund is progressing. In the process of finalising the Memorandum of Understanding between QRC and State Government. Treasurer was supportive of industry in a statement earlier this week.
    • DNRME update – Critical resource employee exemption process is progressing well. No recent changes regarding border community residents. Department recommends a cautious approach of applying for a critical resource employee exemption.
    • Concerns about public transport as the restrictions continue to ease. Department of Transport and Main Roads are turning their minds to this issue.
    • Particular queries about the use of masks and the availability and effectiveness of re-useable masks. QRC/DNRME to follow up. Representative from Transport and Main Roads to be invited to attend a future meeting.