Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a three-day lockdown of greater Brisbane in a bid to contain the UK variant of the virus, which some people have claimed may be 70% more infectious than other strains of the virus.
The lockdown will cover the local government areas of Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton, and Redlands, from 6pm tonight to 6pm Monday. NatRoad is awaiting information on the specific areas that will be locked down.
NatRoad is currently liaising with the Queensland Government to assess the impact on freight of the three-day Greater Brisbane lock down. At this stage freight delivery is considered an essential service, but masks should be worn whenever drivers are outside of their cab. COVID-19 safety plans should also be in place.
If you are a freight operator living and working in these local government areas you are deemed essential and can go to work but if you are not an essential part of the operation, you must stay home.
If you are a freight operator and are coming in from, say, NSW and go to these local government areas, you must wear a mask and implement your COVID safe plan about other hygiene requirements.
If you are coming in from a COVID-19 hot spot you are subject to the Queensland freight protocol.
As soon as more details relating to the management of the freight task are released, inclusive of any communications from Queensland Health, NatRoad will publish them for members.
NatRoad is calling on all levels of government to work in cooperation to achieve better co-ordination and consistency amongst the States and Territories regarding border closures, permit conditions, testing regimes and consistent timing for undertaking an asymptomatic testing.
Ad hoc border closures, inconsistent State and Territory rules and complex regulatory rules just add to the stresses that members are experiencing getting freight through during the pandemic. States and territories should work out regulatory differences and provide timely and consistent advice to an industry that keeps Australia running.
NatRoad communications are intended to provide commentary and general information. They should not be relied upon as legal advice. Our advisors are available to clarify any questions you have and provide the right advice for your business and workforce. Contact Richard at [email protected], or on (02) 6295 3000.
