COVID-19 update - week ending 26th February 2022

COVID testing in animals 

There has been some media activity recently around a veterinarian diagnosing COVID-19 in an dog using a Rapid Antigen Test approved for use in humans.  

The AVA has prepared an information summary covering the risks of COVID-19 in companion animals, as well as recommendations for veteririnarians, which can be found here.

More information can also be found on the Pets of COVID-19 positive/at-risk humans page. 

State by State COVID updates since the 11th of February 2022 

Queensland 

From 6pm on Friday March 4, there will no longer be a requirement to wear a face mask in workplaces, schools, hospitality venues or in shops in Queensland. Masks will still be required on public transport, in airports and while travelling on planes. Disappointingly, the State Government still does not recognise vets who do not work with animals in the agriculture industry as being a highly impacted essential service.  

Western Australia  

The Western Australian Government has announced that its borders will re-open on 3 March 2022, with reduced restrictions.  

The Western Australian Government views people who deliver veterinary services as critical workers in a very high case load environment. The State Government is urging employers to register ‘critical workers’ so they can continue working in the event they are needed when COVID-19 case numbers become “very high”. A “very high case load” state has not yet been triggered, and we have contacted the Premiers office around the labour shortages already being experienced and requested that those who deliver veterinary services be able to operate as critical workers in the current environment. Additional information on the requirements of critical workers that are close contacts is also on the WA Government website. 

Victoria 

The Victorian Government announced that from 6pm Friday, 18 February 2022 there would be an easing of a number of restrictions and recommendations in place during the state’s Omicron surge.  The key change affecting veterinary hospitals was removing the requirement for QR code check-ins. 

NSW 

From 25 February 2022, masks will only be mandatory on public transport, planes, airports, hospitals, aged & disability care facilities, correctional facilities, and indoor music festivals with over 1000 people. The NSW Government encourages mask wearing in indoor settings where you cannot maintain safe distance from others and for customer-facing staff.  

On 21 February 2022, restrictions were eased for unvaccinated returning travellers who will need to stay in hotel quarantine for a period of seven days (reduced from the previous 14-day requirements).  

Since 18 February 2022, density limits no longer apply, QR code check-ins are only required for certain venues, and singing and dancing is permitted at all venues (except at music festivals).   

ACT 

On Friday 25 February 2022 the ACT mandatory face mask requirements will ease and it will only be mandatory to wear a mask in high-impact settings as outlined here.  

From Saturday 26 February, anyone that tests positive to a rapid antigen test (RAT) must report their result to ACT Health at covid19.act.gov.au and isolate for seven days. Anyone who tests positive by PCR or RAT is encouraged to take reasonable steps to notify any potential high and moderate risk contacts. 

Check-in CBR requirements are now only required at: licensed bars and pubs, registered clubs, nightclubs, strip clubs and brothels, organised events that are not ticketed or pre-registered, including conferences, markets, music and cultural events, schools and early childhood education and care. All other businesses and settings will no longer be required to display their QR codes or capacity limits.  

As of 18 February employees can return to the workplace where it suits them and their employer.  

The ACT tenants support measures were extended to the 13 May 2022, including the ACT Rental Relief Fund that provides a one-off grant of $1000.  

The ACT Government has extended the Territory’s Public Health Emergency Declaration for a further 90 days from the 10 February 2022. 

NT 

Since 18 February 2022, the Northern Territory no longer requires domestic travellers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or hold a border pass.  

Information provided by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry 

The information below contains reminders and information relevant to veterinary businesses provided by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, of which the AVA is a member. 

New guidance on rapid antigen testing of workers  

Safe Work Australia has published guidance for employers on COVID-19 rapid antigen testing.   

The information will help employers determine whether a rapid antigen testing program (RAT program) for their workers is a reasonably practicable control measure to manage the risks of COVID-19 at work.   

Read the guidance here.  

Remember: even if you determine that a rapid antigen testing program is a reasonably practicable control measure for your workplace, you must continue to implement all other reasonably practicable control measures to minimise the risks from COVID-19. For more information about work health and safety for your industry and COVID-19 please see: https://covid19.swa.gov.au/ 

Border reopening  

The opening of the international border on 21 of February 2022 will ideally allow those overseas veterinarians wishing to work in Australia an easier entry into the country. If you have a veterinarian coming from overseas please ensure you check the updated requirements of the Advance Passenger Processing (APP) system and the Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD).   

The AVA HR service has put together a series of resources to help you with managing workplace requirements. https://www.ava.com.au/news/new-and-updated-covid-19-resources-for-your-workplace/   and the recent inclusion of HR advice on COVID leave entitlements