20Jul

Three new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Western Australia, with one still active.

Health Minister Roger Cook says two are historical cases related to cruise ships while the third is a 43-year-old Romanian technical engineer who flew in on an Emirates flight as part of a maritime crew swap-over.

Cook says the man is the 20th case identified from a July 1 flight from Dubai.


“It does give you some cause for concern about what happened on that particular flight,” he told reporters.

“What I’m comforted by is the strong quarantining arrangements we have for people coming in on international flights, so I’m not worried about the public health risk.”


‘Hard’ border

He said the importance of the state’s “hard” border was highlighted by a 45-year-old West Australian man who flew in from Victoria and was one of Friday’s two confirmed cases, combined with a Victorian fly-in fly-out worker who allegedly flaunted quarantine rules and flew directly to a Pilbara mine site earlier this month.

WA is now immediately testing the few workers granted an exemption to travel to the state from NSW and Victoria, as soon as they land.

And from 11.59pm on Sunday, the criteria for exemptions for people from NSW is being tightened to match those for Victoria.

Only certain senior government officials, certain active military personnel, a federal MP or their staff, people carrying out functions under commonwealth laws, anyone requested by the chief health officer and transport, freight and logistics workers will be allowed to enter WA.

Cook said the state government understood the measures were inconvenient and distressing for some West Australians who wanted to return home but could not.

“We understand these are tough decisions and we don’t take them lightly,” he said.

“It is judged on a case-by-case basis.

“We understand that these tight arrangements will capture people who would otherwise, you would think, have a reasonable case to enter the state.”


Strict regime

On the FIFO worker, who reportedly tested negative after not honestly answering his employer’s questionnaire, Cook said the resources industry was doing a great job running a strict regime.

“We’ll obviously have to remonstrate and make sure that we don’t have that situation again, particularly with this worker,” he said.

“But obviously the fact that he was caught and we were able to intercept him before he became a danger to any of his colleagues is a testament to the systems that we have in place.”

Reiterating it was inevitable WA would experience a second wave, Cook said he was comfortable with 30,000 spectators attending the AFL western derby on Sunday as there was room for distancing.

18Jul

The Department of Health has reported one new case of COVID-19 overnight, and two historical cases, bringing the State’s total to 651.

The new case is an overseas traveller in hotel quarantine.

The two historical cases were based on serology testing and linked to cruise ship travel. Each of these cases spent 14 days in quarantine and were cleared in April.

There are now 25 active COVID-19 cases in Western Australia – all in hotel quarantine.

To date, 617 people have recovered from the virus in WA.

Yesterday 640 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics – 617 were assessed and 611 were swabbed.

Visit WA Health’s HealthyWA website for the latest information on COVID-19.

Note: Updated testing numbers will be made available on Monday.

11Jul

The Department of Health has reported three new active cases of COVID-19 overnight, bringing the State’s total to 630.

The new cases are returned overseas travellers currently in hotel quarantine. Two are returning Western Australians and one is from interstate.

There are now 19 active COVID-19 cases in Western Australia – all in hotel quarantine.

To date, 602 people have recovered from the virus in WA.

Yesterday 488 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics – 462 were assessed and 459 were swabbed.

To date there have been 204,929 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those tested, 35,599 were from regional WA.

Visit WA Health’s HealthyWA for the latest information on COVID-19. 

11Jul

Fremantle faces a ticketing juggling act after it was announced the crowd for next week’s clash with West Coast at Optus Stadium will be restricted to 30,000.

The western derby was set to become a 60,000-seat sellout after the West Australian state government announced it would further ease coronavirus restrictions on July 18 - the day before the game.

But those plans have since been scrapped due to the worsening situation in Victoria.

It means WA will remain in phase four of restrictions - allowing only half the stadium to be full.

It’s believed about 40,000 tickets had already been sold before ticket sales were put on hold earlier this week.

It means about 10,000 people who already bought tickets will no longer be able to attend, given the capacity will now be capped at 30,000.

Fremantle, who are the home team, are yet to announce how they plan to allocate tickets for the match.

“As I said when we first announced phase five, we would only introduce it under the watchful eye of our health experts,” WA Premier Mark McGowan said.

“Today we were provided with the latest health advice and that health advice is clear.

“Given the number of people in hotel quarantine and the situation in Victoria worsening, there is an increased risk of the virus spreading (here in WA).

“I realise it won’t be popular with some people and I understand in particular with the Eagles/Dockers game there will be some problems.

“It will have to be managed by the football clubs and we will work with them to manage it as best as they can.

“This is a small price to pay to put in place precautions to protect our citizens.”

The McGowan government has announced strict new regulations preventing arrivals into the state from Victoria.

From midnight Thursday, no-one will be allowed into WA if they have been in Victoria in the past 14 days.

Exemptions will be reduced significantly, meaning only transport, freight, logistics and other essential services approved by the Chief Health Officer will be allowed to enter WA.


WA Police will perform border checks under the state of emergency declaration.

“People arriving from Victoria or who have travelled from Victoria … are under a much stricter regime even though 98 per cent of all arrivals (from the east) into WA have already stopped,” WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said on Thursday.

“Persons who have been allowed into WA including from Victoria have been very tight for quite some months, from midnight tonight it will be much tighter.”

All arrivals into WA from Victoria will have to undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing and could face fines of up to $5000 if they refuse.

“Everyone permitted to enter will be served with notice if they have been in Victoria within the last 14 days and will need to take a COVID test on day 11 while in WA or when symptoms develop,” Health Minister Roger Cook Cook said.

“Police will continue to perform checks on people in self-quarantine.”


Anyone arriving in WA from Victoria without a valid exemption will be turned away.

WA is also extending its state of emergency for another 14 days, until July 23.

Dawson said the date was likely to be extended further, given the situation in other parts of the country.

“We are not immune from this virus,” he said.

“It’s for the public safety of everyone.”


Three new cases

WA has recorded three new cases of COVID-19 overnight, Cook confirmed on Thursday.

All three are returning overseas travellers, two from Dubai and one from Sudan.

“We feel deeply for everyone in Victoria and what they are going through,” Cook said.

He said the spike in Victorian infections showed how “dangerous and unpredictable” the virus was.

“WA has been lucky to get back to living in a COVID-safe way,” he said.


Overseas travellers

There has been a gradual increase in returning overseas travellers as people see WA as a “desirable safe haven” from the virus, Cook said.

There are currently 1,507 people in hotel quarantine, but that number was expected to rise to 2,000 by the weekend.

Cook said a new advertising campaign would be launched to remind people of the measures they should undertake to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Now is not the time for complacency,” he said.

10Jul

The Department of Health has reported three new active cases of COVID-19 overnight, bringing the State’s total to 627.

The new cases are returned overseas travellers currently in hotel quarantine. Two are returning Western Australians and one is from interstate.

There are now 16 active COVID-19 cases in Western Australia, all in hotel quarantine.

To date, 602 people have recovered from the virus in WA.

Yesterday 586 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics – 569 were assessed and 567 were swabbed.

To date there have been 203,091 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those tested, 35,281 were from regional WA.

Visit WA Health’s HealthyWA for the latest information on COVID-19.

31Mar

Suddenly losing your job is unsettling at any time, but it's especially scary during the coronavirus pandemic.

With the unemployment rate likely to skyrocket, COVID-19 is turning out to be an economic wrecking ball.

"Almost every company and almost every sector has been hurt, so it really makes this a very, very different experience for the job seeker," says David Lewis, founder and CEO of OperationsInc, a Norwalk, Connecticut-based human resources consultancy with more than 1,000 clients in 50 states.

"The last thing a job seeker wants to hear in a normal economy is be patient, and it’s the best advice I can start off with for someone who is finding themselves unemployed in this market."

Still, there are you suddenly find yourself unemployed.

File for unemployment benefits

Unemployment insurance is a collaboration between the federal government and state governments to help provide some compensation to people who are trying to get a job but can't find one. As soon as you lose your job, contact your state's unemployment insurance program to begin the process. Visit this page to get started.

The good news is that bipartisan legislation making its way swiftly through Congress is likely to increase average weekly unemployment compensation by about $600 for four months. 

Lost a gig? A new option is on the way

So-called "gig economy" workers, such as Uber drivers and freelance contractors, are typically not eligible for unemployment insurance. But a new program in the federal legislation, if passed, would provide unprecedented jobless benefits to self-employed workers and contractors.

Stay tuned for details on how to sign up for these benefits, but there's a good chance you'll do so through the typical unemployment insurance program in your state.

30Mar

Coronavirus’ full economic impact is yet to be seen but workers are already preparing themselves for possible quarantine measures.

Australians are madly stocking up on supplies in case the disease forces them into a two week isolation.

Meanwhile government and businesses are trying to find the best ways to support affected employees in case it’s no longer safe or viable for them to work.

Not all jobs have the same exposure to coronavirus however, and workers in some industries are more susceptible to its economic impacts than others.

James Caldwell, senior industry analyst with IBISWorld, told The New Daily which five industries face the greatest risks.

Number 1: Airlines

Demand for flights has plummeted since coronavirus first started infecting tourists, and government travel restrictions have further weighed on that.

Qantas has already scaled back its number of flights, forcing 2000 surplus workers to take paid leave if they want to receive an income in the intervening time.

Fortunately for employees in this industry, Mr Caldwell said, there are several factors which could protect their jobs in the long run.

“Staff in this industry are highly unionised and they have a lot of benefits,” he said.

“They don’t have a lot of casual workers, plus, when this virus ends these workers are going to be needed and it’s very expensive to hire in this industry.”

These features mean airline staff are less likely to lose their jobs if the pandemic becomes a prolonged issue.

Number 2: Freight and transport

“Australia is a trading nation, and China is Australia’s biggest trading partner,” Mr Caldwell said.

That’s a big problem for the people moving goods between the two nations as the disease has caused many Chinese factories to close.

With few goods in need of transportation, demand for drivers has fallen.

Luckily, a recent fall in oil prices means freight businesses will have a little extra money to hand, reducing the likelihood of lay-offs.

Australian imports from China (2017)

Number 3: Retail

Australia’s retail sector is already in the midst of a so-called ‘apocalypse’ and coronavirus is tapped to make things worse.

“This outbreak has had a big impact on consumer confidence and there’s a lot of talk about a recession,” Mr Caldwell said.

“If we enter a recession, people are going to cut back on discretionary spending and that can really only harm the retail industry.”

Worryingly, many workers in the retail sector are employed on a casual basis and have no access to paid sick leave.

Mr Caldwell added that casual workers can also be “dispatched at the drop of a hat”.

“We’d see job layoffs there,” he said.

Number 4: Hotels

The summer bushfires took an axe to the tourism sector, and now coronavirus threatens to pour salt in those still-fresh wounds.

“With the bushfires this year, Australian tourism has already contracted and now there are travel bans in place on a list of countries,” Mr Caldwell said.

“If these travel bans are extended further, we’ll probably see the closure of hotels or at least job layoffs.”

Many hotel staff are also employed on a casual basis, and face similar challenges to retail workers.

Number 5: Restaurants

Eating out might be a nice way to spend an evening, but it’s an expense Australians are expected to cut back on as talk of a recession builds.

As consumers tighten their belts staff employed in the restaurant world will feel the squeeze, Mr Caldwell said.

Like retail and hotel workers, many of the hard-working Australians employed by these businesses are casual staff.

The jobs with the highest exposure to diseases

This table breaks down different jobs by how regularly those workers are exposed to diseases in the course of their normal duties. 


A 100 rating means 'daily exposure' while a '0' means 'never'.

List of Jobs that already been exposed to COVID-19Amount
Acute Care Nurses100
Dental Hygienists100
Family and General Practitioners100
Internists, General100
Critical Care Nurses99
Hospitalists99
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons99
Respiratory Therapists98
Respiratory Therapy Technicians98
Anesthesiologist Assistants97
Occupational Therapy Aides
Orderlies97
Dental Assistants96
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists96
Nurse Anesthetists96
Urologists96
Allergists and Immunologists95
Dentists, General95
Radiation Therapists95
Registered Nurses95
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses94
Obstetricians and Gynecologists94
Sports Medicine Physicians94
Dermatologists93
Nuclear Medicine Technologists93
Physician Assistants93
Psychiatric Technicians93
Medical Equipment Preparers92
Occupational Therapists92
Ophthalmologists92
Pediatricians, General92
Radiologic Technologists92
Clinical Nurse Specialists91
Naturopathic Physicians91
Psychiatric Aides91
Radiologic Technicians91
Anesthesiologists90
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians90
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics89
Nurse Midwives89
Veterinarians89
Healthcare Social Workers88
Occupational Therapy Assistants88
Phlebotomists88
Prosthodontists88
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers87
Endoscopy Technicians87
Nurse Practitioners87
Podiatrists87
Surgical Assistants87
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers87
Physical Therapist Aides86
Surgeons86
Acupuncturists85
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers85
Radiologists85
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists84
Cytogenetic Technologists83
Embalmers83
Medical Assistants83
Nursing Assistants83
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists83
Microbiologists82
Surgical Technologists82
Neurodiagnostic Technologists81
Nuclear Medicine Physicians81
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses80
Cytotechnologists80
Animal Control Workers79
Dietitians and Nutritionists79
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors79
Orthotists and Prosthetists79
Orthodontists78
Pharmacy Aides78
Coroners77
Flight Attendants77
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians77
Municipal Firefighters77
Neurologists77
Patient Representatives77
Recreational Therapists77
Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs77
Pathologists76
Pharmacists76
Physical Therapist Assistants76
Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians75
Optometrists75
Orthoptists75
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians74
Couriers and Messengers73
Midwives73
Music Therapists73
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians72
Correctional Officers and Jailers72
Dental Laboratory Technicians72
Pharmacy Technicians72
Municipal Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisors71
Psychiatrists70
Athletic Trainers69
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians69
Audiologists68
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education68
Bus Drivers, School or Special Client67
Hunters and Trappers67
Physical Therapists67
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians67
Forensic Science Technicians66
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners65
Nonfarm Animal Caretakers64
Fire Investigators63
Home Health Aides63
Immigration and Customs Inspectors63
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors63
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors63
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary62
Personal Care Aides62
Dietetic Technicians61
Police Patrol Officers61
Preventive Medicine Physicians61
Police Identification and Records Officers60
Barbers59
Plumbers58
Police Detectives58
Social and Human Service Assistants58
Clinical Psychologists57
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives57
Adapted Physical Education Specialists56
Funeral Service Managers56
Interpreters and Translators56
Transit and Railroad Police56
Exercise Physiologists55
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers55
Special Education Teachers, Middle School55
Transportation Security Screeners55
Criminal Investigators and Special Agents54
Funeral Attendants54
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education54
Chiropractors53
Community Health Workers53
Medical Secretaries53
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners52
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education52
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists52
Special Education Teachers, Preschool52
Speech-Language Pathologists52
Licensing Examiners and Inspectors51
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants51
Elevator Installers and Repairers50
Health Educators50
Neuropsychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists50
Hearing Aid Specialists49
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School49
Medical Appliance Technicians48
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity47
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers47
Informatics Nurse Specialists47
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners47
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education46
Childcare Workers45
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters45
Forest Firefighters44
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General44
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria43
Subway and Streetcar Operators43
Slot Supervisors42
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators41
Art Therapists40
Bailiffs40
Clergy40
Education Administrators, Preschool and Childcare Center/Program40
Opticians, Dispensing40
Biological Technicians39
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant39
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers39
Counseling Psychologists38
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals38
Genetic Counselors38
Geneticists38
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers38
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers37
Child, Family, and School Social Workers37
Recreation Workers37
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors36
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists36
Mental Health Counselors36
Molecular and Cellular Biologists36
Pipelayers36
Skincare Specialists36
Teacher Assistants36
Fire Inspectors35
First-Line Supervisors of Animal Husbandry and Animal Care Workers35
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists35
Massage Therapists35
Nannies35
Clinical Research Coordinators34
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates34
Library Assistants, Clerical34
Medical and Health Services Managers34
Security Managers34
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers34
Tellers34
Medical Equipment Repairers33
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists33
Animal Scientists32
Biomedical Engineers32
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists32
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School32
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School31
Fish and Game Wardens31
Receptionists and Information Clerks31
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians31
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary30
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary30
Dishwashers30
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs30
Marriage and Family Therapists30
Millwrights30
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service30
Billing, Cost, and Rate Clerks29
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers29
Food Scientists and Technologists29
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary29
Librarians29
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians29
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians29
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive29
Singers29
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers28
Cashiers28
Gaming Surveillance Officers and Gaming Investigators28
Office Clerks, General28
Animal Breeders27
Gaming Change Persons and Booth Cashiers27
Gaming Dealers27
Manicurists and Pedicurists27
Meter Readers, Utilities27
Recycling Coordinators27
Transportation Attendants, Except Flight Attendants27
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators27
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers26
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health26
Fabric Menders, Except Garment26
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers26
Highway Maintenance Workers26
Pest Control Workers26
Rehabilitation Counselors26
Roof Bolters, Mining26
Social and Community Service Managers26
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators26
Amusement and Recreation Attendants25
Commercial Pilots25
Floral Designers25
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators25
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians25
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers25
Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs25
Airfield Operations Specialists24
Biochemists and Biophysicists24
Insulation Workers, Mechanical24
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians24
Pilots, Ship24
Residential Advisors24
Administrative Services Managers23
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary23
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School23
Chemists23
Epidemiologists23
Forest Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisors23
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan23
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers23
Recycling and Reclamation Workers23
Water/Wastewater Engineers23
Civil Engineering Technicians22
Fishers and Related Fishing Workers22
Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors22
Ship and Boat Captains22
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers22
Word Processors and Typists22
Dancers21
Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School21
Education Administrators, Postsecondary21
Medical Transcriptionists21
Pipe Fitters and Steamfitters21
Radio Operators21
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons21
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary20
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary20
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians20
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance20
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers20
Stock Clerks, Sales Floor20
Weatherization Installers and Technicians20
Adult Basic and Secondary Education and Literacy Teachers and Instructors19
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door19
File Clerks19
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers19
Gaming Supervisors19
Industrial Safety and Health Engineers19
Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers19
Retail Salespersons19
Sailors and Marine Oilers19
Tour Guides and Escorts19
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists19
Agricultural Inspectors18
Animal Trainers18
Anthropologists18
Biochemical Engineers18
Chief Executives18
Crossing Guards18
Glaziers18
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers18
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians18
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists18
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary18
Slaughterers and Meat Packers18
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary17
Environmental Compliance Inspectors17
Environmental Engineering Technicians17
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders17
Forest and Conservation Workers17
Gaming Managers17
Gas Plant Operators17
Loan Interviewers and Clerks17
Music Directors17
New Accounts Clerks17
Park Naturalists17
Postal Service Clerks17
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents17
School Psychologists17
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education17
Vocational Education Teachers, Postsecondary17
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment16
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders16
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay16
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators16
Gaming Cage Workers16
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop16
Instructional Coordinators16
Library Technicians16
Loss Prevention Managers16
Marking Clerks16
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic16
Quality Control Systems Managers16
Range Managers16
Security Guards16
Ship Engineers16
Tire Repairers and Changers16
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers16
Waiters and Waitresses16
Agricultural Technicians15
Bioinformatics Scientists15
Boilermakers15
Chefs and Head Cooks15
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders15
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers15
Emergency Management Directors15
Forest and Conservation Technicians15
Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers15
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers15
Industrial Machinery Mechanics15
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary15
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines15
Model Makers, Wood15
Order Fillers, Wholesale and Retail Sales15
Parking Lot Attendants15
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators15
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters15
Riggers15
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary14
Carpet Installers14
Farm and Home Management Advisors14
First-Line Supervisors of Aquacultural Workers14
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators14
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders14
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders14
General and Operations Managers14
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping14
Lawyers14
License Clerks14
Nuclear Equipment Operation Technicians14
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary14
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators14
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders13
Compliance Managers13
Computer Network Support Specialists13
Construction Carpenters13
Court Clerks13
Court Reporters13
Directors, Religious Activities and Education13
Environmental Engineers13
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers13
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic13
Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers13
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants13
Locomotive Engineers13
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic13
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers13
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers13
Robotics Technicians13
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary12
Commercial Divers12
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary12
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary12
Electro-Mechanical Technicians12
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic12
Food Science Technicians12
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary12
Gaming and Sports Book Writers and Runners12
Helpers--Carpenters12
Helpers--Electricians12
Home Appliance Repairers12
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage12
Nanosystems Engineers12
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks12
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists12
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary12
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers12
Telephone Operators12
Tile and Marble Setters12
Archeologists11
Bioinformatics Technicians11
Chemical Engineers11
Construction and Building Inspectors11
Cooks, Fast Food11
Data Entry Keyers11
Driver/Sales Workers11
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary11
Electricians11
Energy Auditors11
Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers11
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary11
Industrial Engineering Technologists11
Maintenance Workers, Machinery11
Paperhangers11
Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers11
Security Management Specialists11
Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining11
Spa Managers11
Surveying Technicians11
Transportation Managers11
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials11
Water Resource Specialists11
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors10
Baggage Porters and Bellhops10
Biofuels Production Managers10
Broadcast News Analysts10
Construction Laborers10
Cooks, Restaurant10
Counter and Rental Clerks10
Education Teachers, Postsecondary10
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers10
Energy Engineers10
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers10
Food Service Managers10
Home Economics Teachers, Postsecondary10
Insurance Sales Agents10
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers10
Locomotive Firers10
Mates- Ship, Boat, and Barge10
Parking Enforcement Workers10
Procurement Clerks10
Quality Control Analysts10
Radio and Television Announcers10
Shampooers10
Sheet Metal Workers10
Structural Iron and Steel Workers10
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation10
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products10
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders9
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers9
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers9
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists9
Coaches and Scouts9
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance9
Energy Brokers9
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary9
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary9
Fence Erectors9
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers9
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters9
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers9
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians9
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation9
Reporters and Correspondents9
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary9
Solar Energy Installation Managers9
Surveyors9
Tapers9
Automotive Master Mechanics8
Baristas8
Bill and Account Collectors8
Biologists8
Chemical Plant and System Operators8
Chemical Technicians8
Computer User Support Specialists8
Costume Attendants8
Credit Counselors8
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas8
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants8
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles8
Foundry Mold and Coremakers8
Freight and Cargo Inspectors8
History Teachers, Postsecondary8
Hydroelectric Production Managers8
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic8
Logisticians8
Manufacturing Production Technicians8
Motorboat Operators8
Pile-Driver Operators8
Postal Service Mail Carriers8
Private Detectives and Investigators8
Segmental Pavers8
Self-Enrichment Education Teachers8
Signal and Track Switch Repairers8
Air Traffic Controllers7
Bakers7
Bridge and Lock Tenders7
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary7
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers7
Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food7
Computer Operators7
Concierges7
Cooks, Short Order7
Copy Writers7
Door-To-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers7
Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers7
Electronics Engineering Technicians7
Electronics Engineering Technologists7
First-Line Supervisors of Agricultural Crop and Horticultural Workers7
Fundraisers7
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers7
Geothermal Technicians7
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products7
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers7
Historians7
Interior Designers7
Loan Counselors7
Logistics Analysts7
Mechanical Door Repairers7
Mechanical Engineers7
Mine Shuttle Car Operators7
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers7
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners7
Musicians, Instrumental7
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks7
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary7
Political Scientists7
Pourers and Casters, Metal7
Product Safety Engineers7
Risk Management Specialists7
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas7
Sales Agents, Financial Services7
Sociologists7
Sound Engineering Technicians7
Statistical Assistants7
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers7
Training and Development Managers7
Treasurers and Controllers7
Tutors7
Architectural Drafters6
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary6
Athletes and Sports Competitors6
Budget Analysts6
Clinical Data Managers6
Continuous Mining Machine Operators6
Cooks, Private Household6
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders6
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers6
Economists6
Electromechanical Engineering Technologists6
Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers6
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health6
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders6
Food Preparation Workers6
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary6
Geographic Information Systems Technicians6
Graduate Teaching Assistants6
Hydrologists6
Law Teachers, Postsecondary6
Manufacturing Engineers6
Mathematical Technicians6
Microsystems Engineers6
Municipal Clerks6
Nanotechnology Engineering Technicians6
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists6
Plasterers and Stucco Masons6
Power Plant Operators6
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers6
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists6
Real Estate Brokers6
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas6
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products6
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood6
Soil and Water Conservationists6
Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors6
Stonemasons6
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters6
Urban and Regional Planners6
Wellhead Pumpers6
Actors5
Agricultural Engineers5
Aquacultural Managers5
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians5
Audio-Visual and Multimedia Collections Specialists5
Automotive Specialty Technicians5
Biofuels Processing Technicians5
Biomass Plant Technicians5
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers5
Computer Systems Analysts5
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers5
Conveyor Operators and Tenders5
Curators5
Customer Service Representatives5
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators5
Farm and Ranch Managers5
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers5
Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts5
Geodetic Surveyors5
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic5
Helpers--Roofers5
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists5
Human Resources Managers5
Human Resources Specialists5
Industrial Production Managers5
Information Technology Project Managers5
Packers and Packagers, Hand5
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators5
Physicists5
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary5
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators5
Radio Mechanics5
Regulatory Affairs Managers5
Rough Carpenters5
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders5
Soil and Plant Scientists5
Talent Directors5
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents5
Telemarketers5
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders5
Transportation Engineers5
Validation Engineers5
Wind Turbine Service Technicians5
Agricultural Equipment Operators4
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians4
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants4
Bartenders4
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks4
Brickmasons and Blockmasons4
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture4
Cargo and Freight Agents4
Civil Engineers4
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects4
Construction Managers4
Database Administrators4
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment4
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters4
Financial Managers, Branch or Department4
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers4
Food Batchmakers4
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators4
Geographers4
Geological Sample Test Technicians4
Geothermal Production Managers4
Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers4
Helpers--Extraction Workers4
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators4
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers4
Loading Machine Operators, Underground Mining4
Loan Officers4
Lodging Managers4
Machinists4
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders4
Molding and Casting Workers4
Natural Sciences Managers4
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists4
Nursery and Greenhouse Managers4
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer4
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders4
Painters, Construction and Maintenance4
Photographers4
Photonics Technicians4
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials4
Public Relations Specialists4
Real Estate Sales Agents4
Roofers4
Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerks4
Solar Energy Systems Engineers4
Tax Preparers4
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders4
Travel Guides4
Advertising Sales Agents3
Appraisers, Real Estate3
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators3
Architectural and Engineering Managers3
Automotive Engineering Technicians3
Avionics Technicians3
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers3
Broadcast Technicians3
Business Teachers, Postsecondary3
Butchers and Meat Cutters3
Chief Sustainability Officers3
Choreographers3
Claims Examiners, Property and Casualty Insurance3
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists3
Correspondence Clerks3
Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop3
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers3
Electrical Engineering Technologists3
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles3
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer3
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers3
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers3
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators3
First-Line Supervisors of Logging Workers3
Foresters3
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand3
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic3
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons3
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks3
Insurance Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators3
Judicial Law Clerks3
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand3
Logistics Managers3
Marine Architects3
Marine Engineers3
Mechanical Engineering Technicians3
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic3
Network and Computer Systems Administrators3
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators3
Operations Research Analysts3
Order Clerks3
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics3
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders3
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary3
Plating and Coating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic3
Precision Agriculture Technicians3
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks3
Rail Car Repairers3
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers3
Sales Managers3
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products3
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers3
Statisticians3
Supply Chain Managers3
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders3
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists3
Tire Builders3
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval2
Archivists2
Aviation Inspectors2
Biomass Power Plant Managers2
Biostatisticians2
Business Intelligence Analysts2
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products2
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers2
Cost Estimators2
Craft Artists2
Crane and Tower Operators2
Credit Analysts2
Desktop Publishers2
Document Management Specialists2
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic2
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment2
Electrical Engineering Technicians2
Film and Video Editors2
First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand2
Furniture Finishers2
Industrial Engineers2
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall2
Intelligence Analysts2
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary2
Machine Feeders and Offbearers2
Management Analysts2
Mapping Technicians2
Marketing Managers2
Materials Engineers2
Materials Scientists2
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers2
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders2
Motion Picture Projectionists2
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators2
Personal Financial Advisors2
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers2
Producers2
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers2
Public Address System and Other Announcers2
Solar Photovoltaic Installers2
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians2
Stock Clerks- Stockroom, Warehouse, or Storage Yard2
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing2
Storage and Distribution Managers2
Training and Development Specialists2
Upholsterers2
Accountants1
Advertising and Promotions Managers1
Astronomers1
Atmospheric and Space Scientists1
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers1
Brokerage Clerks1
Business Continuity Planners1
Civil Drafters1
Compensation and Benefits Managers1
Computer and Information Systems Managers1
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic1
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic1
Credit Authorizers1
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders1
Customs Brokers1
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand1
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic1
Database Architects1
Distance Learning Coordinators1
Dredge Operators1
Electrical Drafters1
Electrical Engineers1
Electronic Drafters1
Environmental Restoration Planners1
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers1
Fallers1
Farm Labor Contractors1
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop1
Financial Examiners1
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers1
Floor Sanders and Finishers1
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic1
Freight Forwarders1
Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists1
Helpers--Production Workers1
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists1
Information Security Analysts1
Instructional Designers and Technologists1
Insurance Claims Clerks1
Insurance Underwriters1
Labor Relations Specialists1
Log Graders and Scalers1
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service1
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers1
Manufacturing Engineering Technologists1
Mathematicians1
Mechatronics Engineers1
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic1
Mine Cutting and Channeling Machine Operators1
Models1
Nuclear Engineers1
Nursery Workers1
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers1
Paralegals and Legal Assistants1
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic1
Petroleum Engineers1
Photonics Engineers1
Potters, Manufacturing1
Power Distributors and Dispatchers1
Purchasing Managers1
Regulatory Affairs Specialists1
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic1
Set and Exhibit Designers1
Sewers, Hand1
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders1
Sustainability Specialists1
Technical Directors/Managers1
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers1
Tree Trimmers and Pruners1
Watch Repairers1
Web Developers1
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping1
Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters1
Wind Energy Engineers1
Wind Energy Project Managers1
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing1
Actuaries0
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians0
Aerospace Engineers0
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes0
Art Directors0
Assessors0
Auditors0
Automotive Body and Related Repairers0
Automotive Engineers0
Bicycle Repairers0
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters0
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers0
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists0
City and Regional Planning Aides0
Climate Change Analysts0
Commercial and Industrial Designers0
Computer and Information Research Scientists0
Computer Hardware Engineers0
Computer Network Architects0
Computer Programmers0
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders0
Credit Checkers0
Data Warehousing Specialists0
Demonstrators and Product Promoters0
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas0
Directors- Stage, Motion Pictures, Television, and Radio0
Editors0
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers0
Environmental Economists0
Etchers and Engravers0
Fashion Designers0
Financial Analysts0
Financial Quantitative Analysts0
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators0
Fuel Cell Engineers0
Gem and Diamond Workers0
Geophysical Data Technicians0
Graphic Designers0
Hoist and Winch Operators0
Industrial Ecologists0
Industrial Engineering Technicians0
Insurance Policy Processing Clerks0
Investment Fund Managers0
Jewelers0
Landscape Architects0
Legal Secretaries0
Logging Equipment Operators0
Logistics Engineers0
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists0
Mechanical Drafters0
Mechanical Engineering Technologists0
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners0
Motorcycle Mechanics0
Multimedia Artists and Animators0
Museum Technicians and Conservators0
Music Composers and Arrangers0
Online Merchants0
Painters, Transportation Equipment0
Parts Salespersons0
Patternmakers, Wood0
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers0
Precious Metal Workers0
Prepress Technicians and Workers0
Print Binding and Finishing Workers0
Printing Press Operators0
Program Directors0
Proofreaders and Copy Markers0
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products0
Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists0
Remote Sensing Technicians0
Robotics Engineers0
Sales Agents, Securities and Commodities0
Sales Engineers0
Search Marketing Strategists0
Securities and Commodities Traders0
Semiconductor Processors0
Sewing Machine Operators0
Social Science Research Assistants0
Software Developers, Applications0
Software Developers, Systems Software0
Software Quality Assurance Engineers and Testers0
Solderers and Brazers0
Statement Clerks0
Survey Researchers0
Team Assemblers0
Technical Writers0
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders0
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders0
Tool and Die Makers0
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners0
Traffic Technicians0
Transportation Planners0
Travel Agents0
Video Game Designers0
Web Administrators0
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders0
Wind Energy Operations Managers0
Rock Splitters, QuarryNot available
Timing Device Assemblers and AdjustersNot available
OccupationDisease exposure risk
Source: O*NET Online, backed by US Department of Labor
97


Fossil fuel power generation a winner

Australians employed in fossil fuel power generation will become essential to the economy during the outbreak.

That’s because China’s factory shutdown has reduced the damend for coal, forcing the commodity’s price down.

As a result, coal-fired power plants have been given a competitive cost advantage over renewable energy production, which until recently was cheaper than coal.

Ensuring an uninterrupted power supply will be essential for the increasing number of people electing to work from home or forced to self isolate. 

How to prepare financially

Workers who have contracted coronavirus, or who suspect the may have been infected, need to isolate themselves for two weeks.

For full-time and part-time workers, this typically means eating up two weeks of paid sick leave.

Workers employed on a casual or short-term contract basis face the daunting prospect of losing two weeks of income (leaving many unable to cover their basic expenses.

In either case, having money tucked away would be immensely helpful – yet the 2019 Financial Consciousness Index Report by Deloitte found only 32 per cent of households have emergency funds set aside.

28Mar

Wednesday,25 March 2020 

The World Health Organisation says it is seeing a “very large acceleration” in coronavirus infections in the United States that had the potential of becoming the new epicentre.

During the past 24 hours, 85 per cent of new cases were from Europe and the United States, WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told reporters on Tuesday.

Of those, 40 per cent were from the United States.

Harris said the US was “seeing a very large acceleration in cases”.

When asked whether the United States could become the new epicentre, she said: “it does have that potential”.

“(The United States) have a very large outbreak and an outbreak that is increasing in intensity.”

Overall, the global outbreak was accelerating very rapidly and she expected large increases in case numbers and deaths from the 334,981 cases and 14,510 deaths reported.

26Mar

Information for parents regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

We are acting on the advice of the WA Department of Health to take the necessary precautions for schools and staff.

All Western Australian public schools are being supported by the Department of Education to implement a plan in relation to COVID-19.

Changes to public school learning from Monday 30 March 2020

The State Government has announced new learning arrangements in Western Australian public schools will be introduced to help manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

To assist our students, teachers and parents, from Monday March 30 to Friday April 3, all children who attend school will continue to be taught. Staff will continue to be present to ensure this can occur.

However, we encourage families to keep their children at home if they can access online or other resources for their education to continue.

Children of parents who need their children to attend school to enable them to maintain employment, and those children in vulnerable families, such as children living with grandparents, are encouraged to continue to attend school.

Teachers and education assistants will use the time between Monday 6 to Thursday 9 April to complete professional development to prepare for Term 2. For children who need to attend school during these four days, arrangements will be in place to allow students to continue to attend school and be supervised.

Independent and Catholic schools will introduce their own suitable arrangements.

Work will continue during the school holidays on developing a longer term education model for Term 2 and beyond in response to COVID-19.

School closures

If there was to be a confirmed COVID-19 case at a school, the decision to close a school is based on the expert advice from the WA Health Department’s Chief Health Officer.

The Chief Health Officer will, if there has been a positive COVID-19 test result in a school, close the school temporarily while assessment and tracing of exposure is conducted. A thorough school clean will then be carried out to make the school safe for the return of students and staff.

In this situation, all families will be immediately contacted by the school and provided with the relevant information.

Travel

All non-essential travel in and out of Western Australia will be banned from 1.30pm on Tuesday, 24 March 2020.

New restrictions and arrival requirements to travel to Western Australia from other Australian States and Territories in response to COVID-19 will apply unless exempted.

Arrivals from overseas and interstate will now be ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.

Parents/carers must notify their school that their child will be absent from school for the isolation period and confirm the date of arrival into Western Australia.

Students do not require a medical certificate or clearance to return to school but must remain at home until 14 days.

Curriculum support

The Learning at home website is now available and resources will continue to be added over the coming weeks.


Updates will be provided as any new information becomes available. Please check back regularly to ensure the information you have is up to date.

The Department of Education, Catholic Education Western Australia and the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia will continue to respond as a collaborative team to advice from the WA Department of Health and provide updated advice to schools and staff as appropriate.

For more information


20Mar

School students will not face national literacy and numeracy testing in 2020 because of the spread of coronavirus.

Education ministers made the decision to bin the NAPLAN tests at a meeting on Friday. The exams were scheduled for May.

The ministers said cancellation would help teachers and principals "focus on the wellbeing of students and continuity of education, including potential online and remote learning".

"Further, the impact of responses to the COVID-19 virus may affect the delivery of NAPLAN testing, including the operation of centralised marking centres and the implications for nationally comparable data if an insufficient number of students are available to do the test," they said in a statement.

But they reiterated the strong medical advice that schools should remain open for now.

"Education departments and systems will continue to closely monitor health advice and work with schools to ensure appropriate support for students and staff as the response to COVID-19 develops," they said.

The cancellation also means testing of the expanded online NAPLAN platform, supposed to start next week, now won't happen.

In 2019, the first widespread trial of NAPLAN online was plagued by technical issues, with many students unable to complete their tests first go.

Some states have questioned the usefulness of NAPLAN, with NSW, Queensland and Victoria reviewing whether the standardised testing gives parents and teachers diagnostic information in the most efficient way.

But federal Education Minister Dan Tehan has previously defended it, saying the tests did provide valuable information.


19Mar

How long are schools likely to be closed?

The short answer is indefinitely.

Schools in England, Wales and Scotland will close on Friday afternoon. Schools in Northern Ireland will be closed from Monday.

Most are effectively closing two weeks before the Easter holidays start, but it is not clear whether they will re-open for the summer term.

England's Education Secretary Gavin Williamson says schools will be closed "until further notice".

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said she cannot guarantee that schools in Scotland will re-open before September.

It will depend to a large extent on the effectiveness of measures to reduce the spread of the outbreak.

Deputy chief medical officer Jenny Harries said school closures were necessary to reduce social contact throughout society and hence the spread of the virus.

So will every school be completely closed?

No. Some schools will be kept open with a skeleton staff to provide support for the children of key workers. A list of who this covers is to be released later today, but it is expected to include NHS staff, police and food delivery drivers.

Schools will also be asked to help those most in need - for example, children who receive free school meals and those with special educational needs or education health care plans.

But it is not yet clear which schools will be the ones to provide these services.

Mr Williamson said in England the aim would be to provide support in school for an estimated 10% of pupils.

Teaching unions are supportive of the plans, but say they want to see more details of the plans urgently.

The government says it's also asking nurseries and private schools to close, and will provide financial support if needed.

What will happen about exams?

In England and in Wales, all exams in May and June have been cancelled, including GCSEs and A-levels as well as England's primary school national curriculum tests, known as Sats.

Mr Williamson told the Commons on Wednesday: "I can confirm we will not go ahead with assessments or exams and that we will not be publishing performance tables for this academic year.

"We will work with the sector and [the exams watchdog] Ofqual to ensure children get the qualifications that they need."

More details will be released on England's plans on Friday.

Scotland and Northern Ireland will announce a decision on exams in the days to come.

How will children be assessed instead?

Exams watchdogs have been working together for some time to look at alternative arrangements.

These may include:

  • using predicted grades
  • teacher assessments
  • looking at coursework
  • considering other evidence of candidate performance

It is likely the exam boards and individual exams regulators across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will agree a uniform system to ensure comparability.

With regard to offers of university places, Universities UK - the vice-chancellors' organisation - suggested universities may honour the offers already made on the basis of predicted grades.

What does this mean for Parents?

For many working parents, the closures will mean huge childcare issues (this was one of the reasons why the government delayed closures as long as possible).

Some may need to take time off work, raising concerns that some families will struggle financially.

Head teachers have told the BBC that they have been making plans to continue teaching and supporting pupils during the closure, using social media and technologies such as Google Classroom and Maths Watch.

In many other countries across Europe, schools were closed earlier on in the outbreak.

The UK's reluctance to follow suit was based on information that children are not as vulnerable to coronavirus as adults.

There were also fears about elderly relatives - the group most at risk from the virus - from being called upon to provide childcare.

However, head teachers have been struggling with the growing number of staff who have taken time off because they are ill, have underlying health conditions or are self-isolating.

Many individual schools had already been closing their doors, or sending certain year groups home.



I BUILT MY SITE FOR FREE USING