There are many reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the severity of the COVID-19 Omicron variant. However, we all remain concerned about short- and long-term outcomes for older and more vulnerable people, as well as for younger people (especially unvaccinated children). We can also clearly see how hard our Healthcare workers and other essential workers continue to work to keep us healthy, safe and supplied.
Bearing all this in mind, the CAST team will be working from home throughout January 2022 to the maximum extent possible. We are doing so in close consultation with our colleagues, partners and customers, and in line with local Government guidance (Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, 30 Dec 2021).
For January 2022 and beyond as required we will:
- Ensure the CAST team is aware of and complies with the COVID-19 requirements of our clients.
- Meet outside wherever possible, wear a mask, maintain social distance and practice good hand hygiene.
- Stay up to date with the latest contact definitions in each jurisdiction, err on the side of caution when assessing contacts, and seek tests when appropriate.
- Secure appropriate stocks of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for use by CAST employees and households.
- Subject to availability, use RATs to de-risk business critical contact in advance.
- Report positive RATs to health authorities via specified reporting platforms.
Please note this statement is in addition to our existing policies, available here.
I’d like to say a particular thank-you to our customers who have all, without exception, been hugely supportive and creative when finding ways to engage as fully, yet safely, as possible. Thank you!
Stay safe!
Andrew Winnell
CAST CEO