Covid Qld: Business as usual amid WFH, mask confusion

Queensland businesses are operating as usual following conflicting advice from the State and Federal governments on Covid-19 measures.

Businesses are operating “as usual” following conflicting advice from the state and federal governments on whether employees should work from home amid Queensland’s third Omicron wave.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said yesterday advice from the federal government remained the same regarding working from home.

“Go to work unless you’re sick or in a vulnerable category – the federal government has not told their own staff to work from home,” he said.

However, it came just after the federal Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said employers should allow work from home “if feasible” over the next few weeks amid the worsening third Omicron Covid-19 wave.

Professor Kelly also urged Australians to continue wearing masks where possible.

“The main issue here is protecting the most vulnerable … but it is also about protecting our health system,” he said.

But businesses continue to operate as normal under their contingency plans, according to Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland’s Industrial Relations specialist Michael O’Brien.

Masked commuters leave Central Station in Brisbane City yesterday. Picture: Matthew Poon

“What we’re hearing is that it’s business as usual, they’re trying to get on with life,” he said.

“The main feedback we’re hearing is about labour shortages and employee retention.

“They need to keep their doors open by ensuring they have enough workers.”

Mr O’Brien said that after two-and-a-half years of the pandemic, workplaces were “ready to go, no matter what”.

Meanwhile, the state’s Public Service Commission said that the state’s public servants haven’t yet been ordered to work from home, as there’s been no change in the CHO’s advice.

“Queensland public servants have been strongly encouraged to wear masks indoors and when unable to socially distance, and to get their booster if eligible,” the statement said.

“Employees should stay home if unwell.

“Every agency is responsible for providing Covid-safe workplaces and has Covid-safe work plans in place.”

Other industries in Brisbane’s CBD are also following suit, with Queensland Law Society advising all law firms to operate as normal due to being an essential service.

“Should Queensland Government advise employees to work from home, where practicable, or to adopt other measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19, law firms may consider whether it is desirable to adopt altered working arrangements,” the statement said.