Pump professionals who work in certain settings in the Northern Territory are now required to have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before 12 November, following an announcement by the State Government.
The State Government said a Chief Health Officer Direction will make it mandatory for certain workers to get vaccinated to continue working in the same role.
Those workers must be fully vaccinated by 24 December 2021.
Workers who are required to get the COVID-19 vaccine are:
- Workers who come into direct contact with people who are at risk of severe illness from COVID, including Aboriginal people and people who cannot be vaccinated due to age or a medical condition, including but not limited to retail and tradespeople
- Workers who are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 because they work in a high-risk setting where there is a known risk of COVID-19 transmission or outbreak, including but not limited to mine sites
- Workers who perform work in essential infrastructure, food or essential good security or supply, or logistics in the Territory, including but not limited to those who work in electricity, gas, water, sewerage, telecommunications and remote infrastructure
Relevant employees who are not vaccinated by 13 November 2021 will not be permitted to attend their workplace, and will face a $5,000 fine if they do not comply with the Chief Health Officer Direction.
The Direction allows employers to request proof of vaccination, and requires them to keep a register of staff showing their vaccination status. It also acknowledges that a booster will be required for workers in 2022 and that the Direction will be amended to mandate the booster when it becomes available.
Chief Minister, Michael Gunner, said, “We have always done whatever it takes to keep Territorians safe from COVID. We have strong border measures, strong quarantine measures and have carried out strong lockdowns that have worked.
“Now we are bringing in tough mandatory vaccine measures for workers in high-risk sectors and settings.
“We will eventually open our borders whether you are vaccinated or not – so staying safe from COVID is in your hands.
“We have always done our best, but we cannot hold Delta off forever. COVID-19 will be with us for years, and so we must shift to living with it.”
Most jurisdictions in Australia have introduced vaccination as a requirement for certain workers, which is in line with recommendations from the Australian Health Protection and Principle Committee (AHPPC) and the National Plan to re-open.
Vaccine appointments are available at NT Vaccination Centres, GP Clinics, Respiratory Clinics, Pharmacies and Aboriginal Health Clinics.
Bookings for NT Vaccination Centres can be made online or by calling the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.
Walk-ins are welcome at NT COVID-19 Vaccination Centres in Palmerston, Coolalinga, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Gove.
For more information about the mandatory vaccination for workers and if you meet the criteria, visit https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au or call the COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.
