27 January | QRC COVID-19 Working Group briefing
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.