29 March 2020 / COVID-19

National Cabinet Meeting - Additional Restrictions

The Prime Minister just made the following announcements following today’s National Cabinet Meeting:

  • 2020 will be a tough year – this week has shown this
  • 100s of thousands of people have lost their jobs this week
  • Thousands of businesses have closed
  • 16 people have lost their lives to COVID-19
  • Rate of increase has been falling as reported this morning, but we must continue to do things we have committed to do
  • Working through the night again to bring together the next tranche of support measures to help keep people in jobs
  • As announced this morning another $1 billion for services in the health sector to boost telehealth, crisis services etc
  • 1,600 people went into quarantine today (particularly in NSW) under the new arrangements of isolation in hotels
  • New technology to help communicate the messages – WhatsApp message service (291,000 people have already connected to it), new Coronavirus App for iOS and Google (482,000 downloads today) – every Australian should download this app to keep informed
  • Coronavirus App has a new ‘registration’ feature if you have support for access to essentials etc (ie for older people staying home)
  • Tonight the National Cabinet met to specifically discuss public gatherings – currently restricted to 10 persons except for members of your households, employment and education – working from home where possible and following social distancing – 10 person limit now enforceable in most States and Territories – the new advice is restricted to 2 people anywhere other than inside your household – up to States and Territories if it is enforceable
  • Outside play grounds and skateparks will be closed from tomorrow
  • Bootcamps will be limited to 2 people
  • Individuals – strong advice that is being endorsed following health advice – essential to reinforce – everyone must stay at home:
    • Shopping for things you actually need (food and other essential supplies – infrequently as possible) – jigsaw puzzle example considered essential
    • Medical care or compassionate needs
    • Exercise in compliance with the 2 person rule
    • Work and education if you cannot work or learn remotely
  • Strong advice for people aged 70+ should stay at home and self-isolate for their own protection for the maximum time possible to limit interactions (can still go outside with a support person for fresh air etc but limit contact with others as much as possible) – utilise the available home based services and delivery options for groceries etc (you can access via new Coronavirus App) – this is not a strict rule, it’s a recommendation for their own protection
  • The same advice applies for people with a chronic illness, people aged over 60 and Indigenous people over 50 should stay home with minimal interactions with others
  • Commercial and residential tenancies:
    • The States and Territories will have a Moratorium to prevent evictions of persons as a result of financial stress if they unable to make their commitments for the next 6 months
    • More work to be done here and will come in days
    • Message to commercial tenants and landlords – you need to talk to each other and work this out – look at the businesses that have closed or had significant reduction – they need to sit down and come up with arrangements to come out the other side with a tenant at the end and a business that can employ
    • Banks need to help everyone achieve this outcome too
    • The Aus Gov will work on measures to encourage everyone to do this
    • If you don’t cooperate, the support you might expect to receive, you will not receive – this is part of the hibernation approach – bespoke to circumstances – sit down and work it out fairly
    • The goal is a landlord has a tenant to continue into the future – who are businesses that aren’t drowning in debt from unpaid rent – and banks that keep and help their customers
  • Businesses congratulated for innovation – rethink business models to survive – everyone should be adapting to unusual circumstances that will run for at least 6 months (examples of restaurants changing to delivery only etc used as examples of change adoption)
  • More to say on commercial tenancies in the days ahead – the States and Territories have been working hard on this – they will be engaging with businesses, landlords and banks to get the provisions in place – but everyone should sit down tomorrow and start working through it – everyone needs to carry a bit – including the Government
  • Further closure of businesses may come if social distancing not possible or not complied with

Chief Medical Officer brief:

  • 3,929 cases at the moment (460 new ones)
  • Evidence that public health measures and social distancing having a good effect
  • One of the lowest positive test rates in the world even though we have one of the higher testing rates
  • Reasonably confident that most significant cases are being detected
  • Slow down in cases, but we must slow it down further
  • Biggest worry at the moment is community transmission (spread without a known source)
  • The measures in place will have enough effect to bring the curve right down
  • We all have to change the way we interact with each other – stay home unless you absolutely must go out for an essential requirement
  • Vast majority of Australians complying – some silly behaviour of non-compliance, everyone must do the right thing for these measures to work (90% minimum required)
  • Hopefully the early signs of flattening will help continue to see a reduction in cases

Other Recent Activities

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16 February / COVID-19
[UPDATED] Victorian COVID-19 Management Plan & Documentation (Version 9)

Dear All,

Today the updated COVID-19 Guidelines for the Building and Construction Industry Revision 10 was released.

I have made the appropriate changes to the Victorian COVID-19 Management Plans and have attached it to this email along with the following:

  • Updated Appendix 01 – Self Assessment Flow Chart
  • COVID-19 Guidelines for the Building and Construction Industry Revision 10
  • Explanatory note of changes

*Changes have also been made to the sign in devices to include the updated daily COVID Declaration.

Please ensure that you print our updated COVID-19 Management Plan and have all team members on site sign and acknowledge as we have done with all previous 8 versions. I also ask that you add the amendments as a subject in pre-starts and or toolboxes on your next working day.

Do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or if I can be of assistance to you.

Regards,

Candece Frazzica-Kara
HSE Manager (VIC)

Mobile 0411 022 839
Email Candece.Frazzica-Kara@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au 

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10 February / COVID-19
VIC Contact Tracing Alert

Latest info & COVID-19 case locations in VIC

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

Updated: 10 February 2021

Please take the time to review the latest location list below and if you have been at one of the venues at the time identified, inform your Team Leader and make arrangements to be tested.

Check the VIC Government website daily for updated exposure sites.

Anyone who has visited these Tier 1 exposure
sites during these times must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19)
test, and remain isolated for 14 days.

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10 February / COVID-19
Travel for Work

Updated Guidance for Hutchies’ People

With interstate border restrictions continuing to vary as coronavirus outbreaks occur in various part of the country, Hutchies has updated its advice for anyone intending to travel during 2021. This approach is to ensure Hutchies’ people and workplaces are kept as safe as possible.

In the first instance, Hutchies’ people should always follow any State or Territory Directions in place at the time. A summary of current status and useful links can be found on Hutchies’ Toolbox. 

When borders are open and travel is unrestricted, please carefully consider the following prior to making any bookings:

  • Is the travel absolutely essential?  
  • Can the reason for travel instead be facilitated via video conference?
  • Do I need to be physically present for works to progress?
  • Can the outcome be achieved in any other way? 

Work-related travel must be minimised to the greatest extent possible for the foreseeable future. This is especially important given ongoing changes to border restrictions and the risk of further outbreaks – particularly with the highly-contagious new strains of COVID-19.

All travel bookings continue to be monitored. There may be instances where more information is requested about reasons for travel. You may also be asked to get tested after travelling depending on the status of outbreaks.

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8 February / Public Holiday
Royal Hobart Regatta

Monday 8 February 2021 (TAS only)

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4 February / COVID-19
New Victorian Restrictions

Late last night Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews held a press conference as a result of a new potential community transmission case.

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies. 

New restrictions from 11.59pm Wednesday (last night):

  • Reinstate the New Years Eve / Black Rock settings
  • Private gatherings have been limited to 15 people
  • Masks are mandatory in indoor settings
  • The plan to bring back 75% of workers to offices is now paused

Other notes about the case:

  • Worker working in the Australian Open Quarantine Program
  • Now in health hotel and household contacts have been isolated
  • Lasted worked 29 January at the Grand Hyatt, was tested recently with negative results, but developed symptoms
  • 500 Australian Open players and staff have been classed as casual contacts of the worker
  • Still investigating the source of infection, but due to the new strain, being extra precautious
  • New list of exposure sites below – anyone who has been at an exposure site during the time frame, must get tested and isolate for 14 days

Exposure Sites

Anyone who has been at an exposure site listed during the time frame, must get tested and isolate for 14 days:

  • Club Noble in Noble Park from 2:36pm — 3:30pm on January 30
  • Aces Sporting Club (Driving Range) in Keysborough from 10:00pm — 11:15pm on January 30
  • Northpoint Café in Brighton from 8:10am — 9:30am on January 31
  • Kmart in Keysborough from 4:00pm — 5:00pm on January 31
  • Kmart in Brandon Park from 4:35pm — 5:10pm on January 31
  • Coles in Springvale from 5:00pm — 6:00pm on January 31
  • Bunnings in Springvale from 11:30am — 12:15pm on February 1
  • Golf Academy in Heatherton from 5:19pm — 6:30pm on February 1
  • Lululemon, DFO in Moorabbin from 5:00pm — 5:45pm on January 29
  • Woolworths in Springvale from 6.30pm — 7.30pm on January 29
  • Nakama Workshop in Clayton South from 11:15am — 12:00pm on February 1
  • Sharetea in Springvale from 6:45pm — 7:30pm on February 1
  • Kebab Kingz in West Melbourne from 11:24pm — 00:15am on February 1
  • Exford Hotel in Melbourne from 11:00pm — 11:35pm on February 1
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29 January / Quality Alert
Waterproofing External Areas Continual Improvement

A new alert has been published detailing incorrect construction falls and expansion joints in wet areas. Please ensure your review the alert and implement all necessary measures to maintain compliance.

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27 January / Update
Building Quality / Guidance to ensure compliance with NCC & AS

Hutchies has a range of templates and resources on the Document Library to assist with high quality building outcomes. They provide guidance on critical areas of focus that can be used in all states to ensure compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards (AS).

This includes government fact sheets on specific areas regulators are focused on currently during inspections - they are useful on all works nationally.

Please familiarise yourself with these tools and apply them to our projects.

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21 January / COVID-19
Greater Brisbane Update

Restrictions easing from 1am Friday 22 January

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies. 

As there has been no community transmission for a continuous period of 14 days, restrictions for those in Greater Brisbane will be eased as of 1am tomorrow (Friday) morning. 

Restrictions will revert to those in place in December. In summary:

> Masks will no longer be mandatory anywhere, except in airports and on flights. Masks are still encouraged in any situations where physical distancing is not possible

> Gatherings increased to 50 in homes and 100 in public spaces

> Weddings and funerals will be allowed up to 200 people

> Standing up as well as dancing will be allowed across all venues and events so long as they follow the one person per 2m2 rule

> 100% capacity will be allowed at allocated seating venues (such as stadiums)

Please continue to remain vigilant and get tested when symptoms occur.

For more information, check out the updated Queensland Roadmap:

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26 January / Public Holiday
Australia Day Holiday

National public holiday for Australia Day (Tuesday 26 January)

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