As we’re all moving closer to 15 December and the reopening of the borders, it's increasingly urgent that you are made aware of what workplace and contingency plans are in place to deal with the inevitable COVID cases that will begin appearing in Tasmania.
 
Whilst it is the government’s decision on border opening, it is our primary responsibility to ensure that workers are prepared and protected.
 
What we know is that when borders open, even in the best-case scenario with increased public health measures and high level of contact tracing, the government’s predictions show:

• 43,000 cases in 200 days

• 60 deaths

• 213 cases a day average

• 179 cases hospitalised, and 56 in intensive care at the peak of outbreak

This means we not only need to be prepared but all workers should know what that preparedness will look like, how it will affect you and what measures will be put in place to minimise any risks.

After we advised the government that we needed to be bought into the conversation around these issues, the department has now agreed to establish an ongoing consultation process of system preparedness with unions. The first of these meetings will take place next week.

We'll let you know once we learn more from that committee. If you have any questions, please contact HACSUassist.