In summary, the Department of Health report says the main factors that contributed to the outbreak were:

• Lack of control around workplace activities such as regular staff gatherings with people in confined spaces.
• Shortcomings in infection control practices that may have enabled transmission of this very infectious agent in high-risk settings.
• Incomplete or delayed identification of close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases for immediate isolation to limit further transmission.
• High levels of staff mobility between different healthcare facilities.
• Transfer of undiagnosed infectious or incubating patients between healthcare facilities.
• Staff attending and continuing to work while experiencing mild respiratory symptoms.

It’s reassuring that the Premier said all the report’s recommendations will be followed completely - the full report can be read here.

The main message is that systemic factors rather than individual behaviour led to the outbreak, so those who disparaged the great health defenders working so hard in the North West need to take a good hard look at themselves.

We remain concerned that information is slow to be provided to us, but we’re doing all we can to ensure we all know what’s happening as soon as decisions are made.

Any members with concerns about any advice given in the workplace, particularly if it contradicts advice from public health officials or us, can discuss that with our team at HACSUassist on 1300 880 032 or assist@hacsu.org.au

Thanks for all the vital work you do helping your fellow Tasmanians – you are all champions!