On Monday 31 October, the Queensland Government announced the end of the declared public health emergency for COVID-19, marking the next phase of the pandemic in the state.  

The Public Health Direction requiring vaccination of all workers in high-risk settings, such as disability accommodation, also ended. Decisions on mandatory vaccinations will instead be made by the owner or operator of the accommodation.  

The Queensland Government last week passed legislation underpinning a COVID-19 management framework for the next phase of the pandemic. 

In accordance with the National COVID-19 Community Protection Framework, Queensland has introduced a traffic light system, which offers tiered public health advice based on rates of COVID-19 community transmission. The system is currently set on green, the lowest risk level.   

The advice in the traffic light system is a recommendation only and not a legal requirement. However, if there is a serious risk to the public health system or the community from COVID-19, the Chief Health Officer may mandate wearing masks, isolation for people with COVID-19, and vaccinations for certain workers. 

However, in an open letter to Disability Accommodation Service Operators on 31 October 2022 [PDF], Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr John Gerrard, said he expects the powers under the new legislation to make public health directions about isolation and quarantine, mask wearing, and employee vaccination will be rarely used.   

On Thursday 24 November, NDS will be hosting a free online information session for disability service providers that will focus on employer risk mitigation and their responsibilities for worker COVID-19 vaccination and isolation. 

Please register for ‘Moving forward with COVID-19 Risk Mitigation’ from 1.00pm to 2.00pm (AEST) on Thursday 24 November 2022.