The COVID-19 situation is evolving and Defence must respond accordingly. Defence is committed to remaining an exemplar in the whole of government response to COVID-19 and this includes aligning with State and Territory Government arrangements, where practicable. The following information has been endorsed by the Defence COVID19 Taskforce and is issued to assist you, your family and your colleagues to continue to remain safe from COVID-19 in the workplace.
It is important that all Defence staff monitor restrictions and remain abreast of changes, which can and do change, sometimes at short notice. For further, and regularly updated, information please refer to the COVID-19 Restrictions Matrix or visit the Queensland Health website for updated Health Orders and COVID safe settings.
All Defence personnel need to continue following the specific directions and conditions relevant to the location in which they are living, working or visiting.
The QLD Government has advised, from 6pm Friday 4 March 2022, there will be easing of restrictions in Queensland.
What you need to know
Mandatory Face Mask requirements
- Masks will no longer be required indoors, except in healthcare settings such as Defence medical centres, public transport, airports and on planes.
- Masks will no longer be required in schools, including for staff, students and visitors.
- Masks will still be recommended whenever you can’t social distance.
- Venues and events will no longer have density limits.
Until then, current face mask requirements, as advised in the Defence COVIDSafe Update – COVID Safe Settings – from 7 February 2022 and other public health and social measures remain in effect.
Mental Health Support
Pandemic fatigue is real and it is understandable that many of us may be experiencing pandemic fatigue at this time, it is important to know there are many resources available to support you:
- Employee Assistance Program Portal (1300 687 327 (1300 OUR EAP)
- Looking after your Mental Health COVID-19
- 1800 IMSICK (1800 467 425)
- ADF health services accessed through garrison health centres
- Online through ADF’s mental health and psychology services
- The ADF Chaplaincy Services which provide a 24/7 in person on call service that is regionally based – call 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362) and ask to speak to the on-call Chaplain in your area
For further and regularly updated information please refer to the COVID-19 Restrictions Matrix or visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid19-restriction-checker.
