The Queensland Trucking Association is urging members to reactivate their Covid safe plans ahead of the three-day lockdown in the greater Brisbane area from 6pm tonight.
QTA CEO Gary Mahon said that directive applies for all employees and drivers living and working in Brisbane, and also for any drivers arriving at a depot in the region.
“It is recommended to reactivate your business continuity plans and that only staff that are essential to business operations attend the office/depot,” he said in a statement.
“Anyone attending work in the lockdown period MUST wear a face mask.”
The conditions of the lockdown apply to all residents in Brisbane City, Ipswich City, Logan City, Moreton City, Redland City Council areas.
“While we are waiting on a new directive to be issued, I can confirm at this stage there are no changes to the protocols for freight and logistics as it remains an essential service. All conditions in the Queensland Freight Protocol must be followed.
“We will continue to keep you updated as information is released.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the measures follow confirmation late yesterday that a cleaner from a quarantine hotel had tested positive.
“There are no second chances with this pandemic,” the Premier said.
“That’s why I’m asking people to have a long weekend at home.
“We have learned from Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales that a short, sharp lockdown is better than a long one and this a more contagious strain.
“Three days is better than 30.”
The Premier said she once again called on Queenslanders to protect each other.
“All we can do is stay home and stay safe and please get tested,” the Premier said.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said extra testing clinics with more staff had been opened.
“We want to see as many people tested as possible and people stay home and stay safe,” the Minister said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young said it was essential to stop people moving through the community.
“We know that to stop the spread of the virus we have to stop the movement of people and test, test, test,” Dr Young said.
“Queenslanders have done a tremendous job of containing this virus for so long- we just have to keep it up.”