Minister for Hospitality and Events and Minister for Skills, Training and
EDITORIAL
Workforce Growth SARAH COURTNEY
The health and safety of Tasmanians remains the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s number one priority and with our vaccination program continuing to proceed well, Tasmania is ready to reopen on December 15. We understand that the border reopening is both an exciting and nervous time for our tourism and hospitality operators. That’s why theGovernment is doing everythingwe can to assist the industry and indeed businesses to be prepared for the reopening and what the influx of visitors might bring. Businesses need to review their Covid Safety Plans, which capture how the business or organisation complies with the minimum standards for managing the risks of Covid-19 to keep staff and other people within the setting safe. Depending on the size of the business or organisation and whether it is a high-risk setting, a Case and Outbreak Management Plan may also be required to capture how your business or organisation will prepare for and respond to a confirmed case or cases of Covid-19 in their workplace or setting. Worksafe Tasmania has developed comprehensive guidelines and templates to assist businesses in ensuring their workplaces are Covid-safe and that their employees, customers and clients, understand expectations and safety measures in place. If your business requires help or advice to complete your planning, please contact Worksafe directly on 1300 366 322. Businesses have had Covid safety plans in place for about 12 months, and while I understand that we have been Covid free, I once again urge businesses to look at their plans and update their risk assessments to determine their position in respect to vaccination, mask wearing and social distancing controls.
Importantly, our aim is for businesses to continue to remain open and continue trading. If broader localised hot spots are identified by Public Health, then targeted local area lockdowns may be implemented, with closure of a business a last resort option We’ve acted on public health advice every step of the way and that’s what has made Tasmania one of the safest places in the world. Importantly there will be health measures in place at our borders and in our community. This includes the requirements ranging from isolation and testing if you or your staff have Covid-19 or are identified as being a close contact, to being classed as a casual contact. I strongly encourage everyone to visit www.coronavirus.tas.gov.auformore information. The Government will continue to work closely with the THA, as well as individual businesses to ensure we can be responsive to the needs of industry and consider how best to support businesses as we progress together through the border reopening phase.
Pictured: Sarah Courtney at Peppina
Hospitality Review: December 2021 11
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