All construction sites in Greater Sydney have been permitted to reopen at 50% capacity including sites in the eight LGAs of concern, where construction was stopped for weeks. And now, construction workers who live in a declared area, are permitted to enter construction sites under the strict healthcare guidelines.
Construction workers will be prioritised at a special clinic at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday, August 15, Jobs Minister Stuart Ayres said.
The government hopes 8000 workers will be jabbed that day.
Under the healthcare guidelines, workers from declare areas can enter sites if:
- The person has had 2 doses of vaccine, or
- Had one dose at least 21 days ago, or
- Had one dose with 21 days and has been tested for COVID-19 within the preceding 72 hours, or
- Has a certified medical contraindication (being that a medical practitioner has certified, in a form approved by the CHO, that the person has a medical contraindication to the vaccine)
A worker whose place of residence is in one of the declared area must carry the required evidence when on a construction site and produce it on request to their employer, the occupier, a police officer or authorised officer. There is an obligation on the occupier to ensure that the person has the required evidence
The required evidence is:
- Proof of address, and
- All of the following which apply
- Evidence from the Australian Immunisation Register that the person has had 1 or 2 doses of the vaccine
- Evidence that the person has been tested for COVID
- Medical certificate showing the medical contraindication
The HRIA has partnered with Beyond Blue to provide members with support during difficult times such as those we are facing right now. If you, your colleagues, friends or family need any assistance, please reach out to Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
The National office is working remotely, but we are contactable, and we will be providing members with updates as we learn more about the new restrictions and hear back from relevant government departments.