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COVID-19 Resources
Coronavirus Information Hub
We are living in unprecedented times, with COVID-19 gripping
communities across the globe.
Shut downs, restrictions, and social distancing are changing the
nature of business and creating uncertainty about how to deliver
fire safety.
This resource is intended to help fire practitioners understand
the latest developments in the coronavirus pandemic and serve as a
one-stop-shop for information relevant to you and your
business.
Latest from the front lines
30 April, 2020
There is a glint of light at the end of the tunnel, with the
suggestion by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that Australia is "not
too far away" from easing current coronavirus
restrictions.
The introduction of the new COVIDSafe tracing app is a key
factor in suggestions that restrictions may be lifted, allowing
health officials to monitor effective social distancing
practices.
Restrictions are on the agenda for the National Cabinet meeting
on May 11, and could be lifted not long afterwards, if there is a
continued slow in new cases.
Sport may be restarting again soon, but it is unlikely that
you'll be able to go to the game - empty stadiums are still likely
to be the norm for the time being.
Already, the NSW Government is relaxing rules around limited
social gatherings, although the Premier warned that it didn't give
people a licence to go beyond the rules.
The Prime Minister is contemplating lifting the ban on travel to
New Zealand, but other international travel is still off the cards
for the foreseeable future.
This comes at a time when the Government is calling for an
inquiry into the origins of the pandemic, with the Chinese
ambassador suggesting that it could turn his country's consumers
away from Australian products. In response, the Government
said that it wouldn't bow to economic coercion and that it was
"reasonable and sensible" to learn how the outbreak
began.
COVID-19 Tips and Traps
With community concerns about the coronavirus outbreak,
practitioners can't just walk into buildings and act as they always
have.
More than ever, fire safety work is proving to require a
considered negotiation between practitioner, client, and
tenant.
So, what might you need to consider to prepare for routine
service work?
Find out here.
Strategy to maintain service delivery
FPA Australia is continuing to deliver products and services
during the coronavirus crisis. Events, accreditation, committee
meetings and other activities are being delivered electronically as
much as possible.
We are implementing internal procedures to ensure the safety of
staff, and maintain our ability to support the fire protection
industry.
Classification of fire protection as an essential service
The Association is also working with all levels of government to
advocate for and clarify fire protection's position as an
'essential service', and its exemption from business shutdowns. Our
position is that fire protection is not currently covered by the
shutdowns implemented around Australia.
FPA Australia advocates for the continuity of essential fire
safety maintenance by competent fire protection industry
professionals across Australia where safe to do so.
Routine service access during social distancing
FPA Australia has received reports of building owners and
tenants refusing access to fire protection routine service
practitioners, and of practitioners concerned about entering some
buildings due to concerns about coronavirus and social
distancing.
As a result, FPA Australia has written to the relevant Ministers
in each jurisdiction seeking a response that:
- Recognises that these issues are occurring and create valid
reasons for circumstances where routine service is unable to
occur.
- Emphasise that routine service should continue to occur where
possible, but where not possible making provision for suitable
delays in routine services and leniency on offences or
penalties.
For your reference, you can read the letters sent to the
Ministers here: TAS,
WA,
NSW,
QLD,
ACT,
NT, VIC,
SA.