Anyone else struggling to keep up with changes to what you can and can’t do at the moment?

With the number of cases increasing by the day and the peak not yet to hit, we are all learning of friends and family (or indeed ourselves) that are impacted either because they fall ill, or have to isolate because of a close contact.  With this in mind I thought it might be helpful to update you on some key considerations that body corporate committees and strata communities should be considering to be as COVID safe as possible.

As you are no doubt aware, the domestic border restrictions came to an end on 15 January 2022 with people from other states now entering Queensland without a border pass, a negative COVID19 test or any requirements to quarantine if unvaccinated.  Changes to International Borders for vaccinated travelers come into effect on Saturday 22nd January.  It would seem the announcements from Governments at both Federal and State level continue to change in response to the balance of public health safety and keeping the economy open.

Whilst it is important for you to continue to check the directives, let’s look at a practical approach to COVID19 safety for those in community living:

Use of common areas

1. The Gym is likely to be the highest risk area, being indoors and depending on usage is likely to have peak times of use. To minimise this, provide hand sanitiser, disposable wipes and place signage to ensure the limit to meet the socially distance parameters;
2. As of 2 January 2022 face masks are mandatory to be worn indoors everywhere in Queensland, except in your own home or whilst undertaking strenuous exercise. For example, if you are in common areas (both either indoor or outdoor), and cannot socially distance, a mask must be worn; and
3. Check-in systems are also very effective, both for visitors and any holiday let customers. If you have not applied for a QR code, a manual system should be considered.

Please note there are no directives to close common use areas as at the date of writing this article in the event of a positive COVID19 case in your scheme.

What do I do if I am feeling unwell and suspect I have COVID19?

 If you are presenting with the symptoms, the directives are to:

1. Advise either a member of the committee (if known), the body corporate manager or the onsite manager (if the scheme has one);
2. Isolate in your lot and ensure you are tested with either PCR test at a testing facility or Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours;
3. If negative, no need to isolate but follow the other directives (mentioned above); and
4. If positive follow the government directives which essentially are to isolate for a period of 7 days (after you have tested positive) and you are no longer presenting with symptoms.

For further information on test and isolate national protocols please refer to the directive issued by the federal government on 6 January 2022.

How do I get my groceries and other deliveries during the period of isolation?

This depends on the type of scheme you live in and maybe difficult to co-ordinate.  Speak with either the committee member (if known) or the onsite manager (should there be one).  Perhaps a close friend or relative can deliver some supplies during this week.

 Unvaccinated people entering the scheme

The directive given by the Queensland Government on 17 December 2021, venues such as restaurants, pubs, indoor entertainment venues, stadiums, theme parks, museums, galleries and libraries have capacity limits which apply to unvaccinated people. This will apply if your scheme has a café or restaurant, please ensure you are familiar with these requirements.

What about committee and general meetings?

Archers are open for business and undertaking COVID19 safe business practices in line with our business continuity plan and Government directives. See our article issued in December 2021 providing guidance on continuing to provide our clients with services during this uncertain time.

 

Archers the Strata Professionals are committed to making strata simple and are proud that so many committees trust us to guide them through the myriad of obligations that they hold.

This year, Archers have been servicing the Queensland strata industry for 40 years, we are owned and operated in Queensland for Queenslanders.  We are reliable, reputable and here to stay!

We look forward to answering your strata questions in 2022.

 

Nicky Lonergan, CEO, Archers the Strata Professionals

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