09 Apr How COVID-19 impacts company travel
Federal government measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 mean all non-essential services have been closed down from March 23. What does this mean for your company travel?
There are many businesses across a wide range of businesses that rely on travel as a key function of their operations.
Rolling risk assessment and journey management strategies are vital to ensure businesses are compliant with newly implemented government measures as well as to provide protection for all staff, customers and people that have touchpoints with your operations.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison defined non-essential travel as: “the sort of travel that would not be normally part of your normal life.”
That includes work, although a range of businesses including cinemas and theatres, gyms, restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs, weddings and funeral services have all received mandates to close until further notice.
Most states and territories have also laid out plans to close their borders with the rest to follow suit.
There are many industries that remain in operation that involve company travel, though. Here are some of the essentials and what the latest measures mean for those industries:
Resources and mining
While mining operations continue, all companies are being asked to reassess the need for travel and cancel any non-essential company travel across the board.
The standard rules of isolation apply: meaning if a worker has travelled overseas or been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus then they should immediately self-isolate for 14 days.
Any administrative or other work that can be done from home, should be done from home.
Freight and logistics
This sector is classed as an essential service and all operations can continue as normal.
Any non-essential travel should be cancelled, though, and self-isolation protocols followed and managed.
Education
While the Federal Government has announced the schools will remain open until the Easter holidays, this is not certain.
In Queensland, the Teachers Union is threatening strike action if school are not closed by March 25.
This industry will be a day by day proposition.
Health services
All health services are completely essential and immune to any government crackdowns.
Home delivery services
These can continue, with many major delivery services offering contactless methods to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
Cafes and restaurants etc that have been forced into closure by the latest government measures can continue to operate using a delivery model only.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
For rolling updates in Australia, follow the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert page. For rolling international updates, follow the World Health Organization (WHO).
If you would like any assistance with your company travel operations, risk assessment and journey management please feel free to reach out to the team at JMS.