8 August 2021 | Update on masks and FIFO/DIDO vaccinations

Masks 

Following the lifting of the lockdown of 11 SE Qld LGAs, FIFO workers from those LGAs working outside the areas are now able to leave their accommodation when not at work. The requirement to wear masks at all times unless it is unsafe to do so or when sitting to eat or drink will remain in place for a further 2 weeks.

Companies should remain extremely vigilant in regard to social distancing, mask-wearing and testing, and isolating any worker with symptoms or who has been identified as a close contact.

FIFO/DIDO Vaccination

Also of importance is the CHO’s decision to prioritise the vaccination of FIFO/DIDO workers along with teachers and transport drivers. To qualify as a FIFO/DIDO worker, the worker should be Queensland based and residing in accommodation which is not their normal place of residence while performing their work anywhere in Australia or PNG.

QRC urges companies to strongly encourage the vaccination of these workers, in order to protect the workers, their locally based colleagues and to prevent transmission to the broader communities they work in. FIFO/DIDO workers should register now to be vaccinated by going to the Qld Government website and checking the dropdown box as a FIFO worker.

There are a number of ways eligible Queensland-based resources workers can access a COVID-19 vaccination:

• Make a booking online: select ‘register for vaccination’ and choose the ‘Fly In Fly Out’ drop down option in the ‘Cohort’ category.  Bookings will be offered at Queensland Health delivered vaccination locations, most likely at the resources worker’s hometown
• In some cases, resources workers may be able to access vaccination services made available by their employer and Queensland Health (for example, on-site vaccinations)

Workers should try to work around their roster arrangements to book their second vaccination dose at the same location.

QRC has initiated discussions with Brisbane Airport Corporation, the State Government, Queensland Health, the Office of the Queensland Vaccine Operations Coordinator and head of the National Vaccination Strategy in regard to establishing a facility at Brisbane Airport, possibly on the site of the current Health Check facility in the parking station. Key issues to be resolved are the availability of Pfizer vaccines and payment of a health provider to give the vaccines.

Setting up a vaccination facility at the airport would allow FIFO workers to be vaccinated on their return to Brisbane after their swing shift.

Further updates will be provided on the members call on Thursday 12 August at 12.30pm.