AS the Omicron COVID variant spreads in greater numbers, chances are you, or someone you know, will be infected.
The strain on workforces, supply chains and resources has been evident. We are now learning to live with the coronavirus in our communities.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said Omicron marks a gear change for Australia and the world.
Omicron continues to show greater infectivity than the Delta variant, but with less severity in terms of hospital cases, ICU, and ventilation requirements. Given the rapid spread of Omicron, it is important to continue to review testing and isolation settings.
In Mildura, our biggest challenges include workforce shortages, supply chain strains and access to testing.
Locally and nationally we are feeling the strain of testing access, but reprieve is on the way and we can expect this in the next few weeks.
To meet the need in front of us, we need to change our approach. To keep businesses open, ensure food is on shelves and keep services running, we must adapt regulations on isolation requirements for essential works and testing programs.
I’m pleased to see the National Cabinet this week adapting with a proportionate approach taken to meet workforce needs.
The new strategy will mean that asymptomatic people are able to get back to work and ultimately keep our supply chain operational and our services running.
Employers are responsible for their workplaces and they will be able to use their discretion to effectively manage risks that arise.
We can expect about 10 per cent of Australian workers to be infected with the virus. While this will take its toll, we are managing to live alongside this virus.
There is no longer a cause for panic. It’s time to get on with life, get kids back to school and do everything we can do to stay open and let people live their lives.
It’s no longer about the daily numbers – it’s about supporting and sustaining our workforce, in particular our health care system, to ensure that it is adequately resourced and able to stay on its feet.
I want to again thank those on the front line, who carry additional daily burdens to keep us operational.
