Firefighters union warns on vax privacy as Adelaide brewery introduces no jab no entry policy |

SA’s firefighters’ union has told its members to be cautious in giving their vaccination status to the MFS. Meanwhile, a city pub has introduced a no jab, no entry policy.

The state’s firefighters’ union has urged its members to “exercise caution” in disclosing their vaccination status to the MFS, citing doubts their records would be kept confidential.

The United Firefighters Union put out a memo on their website on November 23, which said they were contacted by the MFS about a request for staff to provide their Covid vaccination certificate by email the following day.

“This time frame provided insufficient time for us to effectively consult and in addition, concern has been expressed regarding the level of confidentiality which the MFS is able to guarantee, and about the possible future use of such private health information,” the UFU memo said.

“Accordingly, the MFS request was not endorsed by the union, and members are urged to exercise caution, noting that it is not possible to unscramble an egg.”

An MFS spokeswoman said they had clearly outlined to staff the provision of vaccination status and certificate was voluntary.

There is no vaccination mandate for firefighters currently in South Australia. Picture: Russell Millard

“MFS personnel were also informed that vaccination forms and certificates will be securely digitally stored, with access restricted to a small number of managers and system administrators, and disposed of in accordance with the General Disposal Scheme,” she said.

Staff are not required to be vaccinated, and a mandate would not be enforced without direction from authorities, the spokeswoman said.

“The MFS will comply with any vaccination direction or requirement if and when the situation arises,” the spokeswoman said.

It comes with the announcement Country Fire Service members will be required to have their first vaccination and proof of a second appointment booking by December 17 to enter an operational centre.

Operational centres are only used by staff, or senior volunteers on an Incident Management Team who assist in co-ordinating volunteers on fire danger days.

A CFS spokesman said the rules are not a mandate, and staff would not be stood down if they weren’t vaccinated.

“CFS staff have been advised those who do not wish to be COVID-19 vaccinated, for conscientious, medical or exemption reasons should notify the agency’s co-ordinators so that smart workarounds can be introduced to allow those staff to remain effective without creating risks for colleagues,” the spokesman said.

“These may include working from home or remotely.”

Volunteers also need to be fully vaccinated if deployed interstate or overseas.

SPARKKE INTRODUCES NO JAB, NO ENTRY POLICY

A socially conscious microbrewery-diner in Adelaide’s CBD is one of the first SA venues to enforce proof of double vaccination or no entry to keep its staff and patrons safe.

Sparkke at the Whitmore is asking all guests to show double Covid vaccination certificates as a condition of entry to the Morphett St venue.

Co-founders Kari Allen and Rose Kentish said their number one priority was the safety and wellbeing of guests and staff.

Clayton Johnson and Divesh Lohmorh at Sparkke at the Whitmore.

“We’re going to make sure we are across people entering and keeping an eye on requests to make sure we can see double vax certificates,” said Ms Kentish.

The duo transformed the 180-year-old Whitmore Square hotel in 2018/19 into a brewery, distillery and restaurant creating boutique “booze with a social conscience”, including “The Last Straw” pale ale.

Ms Kentish said staff and patrons had so far supported the new move, some providing positive feedback for creating a safe environment for them to enjoy and relax in.

She said all Sparkke staff had been double vaccinated and would request patrons that don’t follow the venue’s guidelines to leave the premises.

Those guidelines include: provision of double vaccination certificate on request, wearing masks at all times unless seated; and social distancing of 1.5m including at entry and exit points.

Clayton Johnson and Divesh Lohmorh at Sparkke at the Whitmore.

It follows a similar mandate from Bird in Hand winery in the Adelaide Hills in September.

Owner Andrew Nugent said the introduction of the policy for staff and guests was the protect the health and wellbeing of the community.

See the list of South Australian government and private employers mandating Covid vaccinations.

Also from Friday, all double-vaccinated international arrivals approved for home quarantine will again be able to travel from the airport to their approved location for 14 days of home quarantine.

LISTED: THE SA PRIVATE EMPLOYERS MANDATING COVID VACCINATION

The move follows a huge backlash, with several celebrity travellers slamming SA Health for backtracking on home quarantine promises.

To qualify, they must have been pre-approved through EntryCheck SA, have suitable accommodation, and have “downloaded and onboarded to HealthCheck SA.”

However, due to the increased risk of the Omicron variant, travellers who have been in Africa or the Middle East will be streamlined into a quarantine facility for 14 days quarantine.

Unvaccinated interstate arrivals who receive an exemption to enter South Australia will be able to complete either hotel or home quarantine in an approved location, depending on their origin of travel.

Double-vaccinated interstate travellers from higher risk areas are only required to quarantine until they have received a negative Covid test.

People who are Covid-positive, close contacts or where there is a short-stay requirement at the direction of SA Health for a medi-hotel are not required to pay for their accommodation and meals.