Updated Guidance for Hutchies’ People
As Australia continues to grapple with coronavirus outbreaks and the new highly contagious Delta strain, Hutchies has updated its travel advice for at least the rest of 2021.
This approach is to ensure Hutchies’ people, our families, homes, offices and sites are kept as safe and undisrupted as possible.
In the first instance, Hutchies’ people should always follow any State or Territory Directions in place at the time.
However, we are now requesting that everyone take greater precautions in relation to travel, particularly given recent outbreaks involving the Delta strain.
The Delta variant was able to spread between strangers in Westfield Bondi Junction within seconds of them passing each other. As a result, it has become recognised as the most concerning strain of the pandemic so far.
Unfortunately Australia is not yet in a position to go back to business as usual and changes must be made to the way we operate. It would be devastating for Hutchies and the community if any of our actions contributed to the unnecessary spread of the virus.
Work-related travel is to be minimised to the greatest extent possible for the foreseeable future.
Simply think the situation through – could my actions unnecessarily introduce COVID into Hutchies! Or expose our family! If so, don’t risk it.
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? |
| > | Am I risking the health of others by being at an office or site after travelling from a hotspot or other COVID-affected area? |
All travel bookings are being monitored.
All travel requests will be at the discretion of the Managing Director, Greg Quinn.
There may be instances where more information is requested about reasons for travel.
You may be asked to avoid Hutchies’ sites and offices after travelling.
You may also be asked to get tested after travelling depending on the status of outbreaks.
YOU SHOULD GET TESTED IF YOU DEVELOP ANY SYMPTOMS
You should always get tested at the first sign of COVID-19 symptoms, but especially if you have recently travelled or have been in an area designated as a COVID-19 hotspot. You may also be asked to get tested by Hutchies.
You should also continue to monitor for symptoms for 2 weeks after any travel and get tested again if you experience any.
This is because the virus has an incubation period, meaning that the virus may not be detectable by a test until a period of time has passed since being infected. This time period differs for everyone but is generally thought to be between 2 to 14 days.
| Testing at a public hospital | Testing via a clinic / private practice | |
|---|---|---|
| > Find a hospital that is offering coronavirus testing (typically called a Fever Clinic). | > Phone your doctor or a local GP clinic that offers coronavirus testing and describe your symptoms or situation. | |
| > You should not need a referral, but you will likely need to wait in a queue, especially if there has been an outbreak in the area. | > The doctor will provide you with a referral to a suitable respiratory clinic. | |
| > You will be asked to provide your details as well as your symptoms / reason for getting tested (e.g. you travelled interstate, or you are showing symptoms). | > You should go to the nominated clinic as soon as possible. You may be required to line up in a queue or wait in your car until it is your turn to be tested. | |
| > You will then be tested by an assigned medical professional which should take less than a minute. | > You will then be tested by an assigned medical professional which should take less than a minute. | |
| > Once tested, you will be sent home to self-isolate until you receive your results (either by phone call or text). This means waiting for your result at home and not leaving your home for any reason except in the case of a medical emergency. | > Once tested, you will be sent home to self-isolate until you receive your results (either by phone call or text). This means waiting for your result at home and not leaving your home for any reason except in the case of a medical emergency. |
Depending on your location, and the current status of outbreaks, it may take 24-48 hours to receive your test result.
Please submit your test result to your Team Leader once it has been received.
You are permitted to return to work once your test result has been returned as negative.
If your test result is positive, ensure that your Team Leader is notified as soon as possible.
Know the symptoms and be on alert. If you experience any of the following symptoms, don’t come to work. Notify your Team Leader and contact your nearest medical centre / hospital to get tested.
Other symptoms can include runny nose, headache, muscle or joint pains, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of sense of smell, altered sense of taste, loss of appetite and fatigue.
Read before undertaking travel
> Masks are now mandatory in all airports and on all flights across Australia.
> Avoid Hutchies’ sites and offices after travelling if possible.
> Be ready to work from home. Make sure you have a suitable workstation set up before you travel as you may need to get tested.
> If you are unable to work from home, but you must travel, ensure that you talk to your Team Leader about arrangements whilst you are away from work.
> You must not come to work while experiencing symptoms or whilst awaiting your test result. If you take sick leave, you must also provide a medical certificate.
To discuss these guidelines or ask questions about specific travel arrangements, please contact Tabi Ward.
Phone 07 3335 5139 or 0400 046 090
Email tabi.ward@hutchies.com.au
For general questions about COVID, please contact Harleigh Venables or Tabi Ward via coronavirus@hutchies.com.au.
If you need help, reach out
| Hutchies Help | COVID-19 Health Information | Employee Assistance Program (EAP) |
| Reporting potential cases or general Hutchies advice. Hutchies' COVID-19 Hotline Phone 07 3335 5015 Email coronavirus@hutchies.com.au | This hotline can provide guidance if you have questions about COVID-19. Australian Government COVID-19 Hotline Phone 1800 020 080 (24x7) | This confidential service is open to Hutchies' people and immediate family members. Converge International Phone 1800 687 327 |
For general information on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), call the Australian Government's Coronavirus Health Info Line on 1800 020 080.
For the latest updates on COVID-19 in Australia, visit:
| Australian Government | https://l.hutchi.es/AusHealth |
| Smart Traveller | https://l.hutchi.es/SmartTravel |
| New South Wales | https://l.hutchi.es/cvNSW |
| Northern Territory | https://l.hutchi.es/cvNT |
| Queensland | https://l.hutchi.es/cvQLD |
| South Australia | https://l.hutchi.es/cvSA |
| Tasmania | https://l.hutchi.es/cvTAS |
| Victoria | https://l.hutchi.es/cvVIC |
Hutchies has also created a resource to help maintain positive mental health during what has been a tough year for everyone.
