► Click here to Download the COVID Action Plan [PDF]
COVID ACTION PLAN
BSM-PRO-002 | Online Version
VER 03 - March 2022
*IMPORTANT NOTE: On February 23, 2022, the WA Government issued COVID-19: EVENTS INDUSTRY UPDATE which includes Great Southern areas, in response to Omicron variant outbreaks in the region. Therefore, the Addendum attached to the back of this document as Appendix 1 has been amended.
ABOUT COVID-19
Background
COVID-19 is a transmissible virus, and can spread from person-to-person through:
- direct contact with infected people
- contact with droplets/air-borne particles from an infected person’s cough or sneeze
- airborne transmission is greatest when standing 1-2 metres from an infected person, however infective particles may remain in the air for long periods of time and infect others over greater distance
- poorly ventilated and crowded indoor settings can extend the length of time which the infective particles remain airborne
- touching contaminated objects or surfaces (e.g. doors, EFTPOS machines, shared condiments), and then touching your mouth or face.
Event organisers are encouraged to ensure appropriate cleaning regimes are in place and adhered to, taking extra care to maintain and promote hygiene practices throughout the event, and by making sure that people who are unwell do not attend/remain at the event.
As of 23 June 2021, the WA Government is committed to continuing to help businesses and the community enjoy vibrant and safe events. Several COVID-19 related restrictions that were previously applied to events, are now being relaxed under Phase 5.
Whilst vaccination rates are increasing among the general public, it is important to remember that COVID-19 remains a risk to the community. It is therefore essential to maintain COVID Safe principles and sensible public health measures including good hygiene, cleaning regimes and physical distancing at all events, despite the easing of restrictions. These simple practices reduce the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission, should a COVID-19 case who is unknowingly positive, attend an event.
These measures, along with the State of Emergency and Public Health State of Emergency declarations, are based on the latest health advice to enable the state to ramp up and respond rapidly to any outbreak in the future.
Definition of an Event
The term ‘EVENT’ that the WA Health Department refers to, specifically means gatherings of more than 500 people, including for events that require additional local government approval to proceed (under section 178 of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911 (WA) or Regulation 9 of the Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992 (WA)).
Therefore, a “COVID Event Plan” under this definition only applies to those gatherings which involve more than 500 patrons. The Boat Shed facility does not have the capacity to hold near 500 people in this regard.
Furthermore, a COVID Event Plan is not required for events that form part of the usual business of places for which there is an existing ‘public building approval’ (under section 178 of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911 (WA) or Regulation 9 of the Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992 (WA). Again, the Boatshed building falls within this category.
It is required that “events” of over 500 people are registered with the Department of Health and facilitate the collection of contact register information for patrons in attendance. Although not required because Boatshed Markets patron numbers do not exceed 500 people, Boatshed Markets was officially registered anyway as a matter of courtesy on 21/02/2022 at the Government web site: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Events-registration
A copy of that registration can be provided upon request.
Scope of This Plan and its Battery Limits
The “Boatshed Markets COVID Action Plan aims to help mitigate the risk of COVID-19, in line with health advice, and provide extra confidence to patrons and staff entering our business premises.
This document provides guidance to Stallholders, members and guests of Boat Shed Markets Albany Inc., on a range of measures to adopt best practices, and to manage COVID health risks to the public on Market Days.
The Boat Shed Market’s area of operation and jurisdiction (Battery Limits) includes the entire indoor area of the Shed facility. The outdoor areas for eating, and the the cordoned off area along Royal Princess Dve, and car parking areas do not constitute the requirements of this plan. As they fall outside the definitions of COVID risks per government guidelines.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Public Health Principles
The Boatshed Markets Albany Inc., Stallholders, members and guest, and their staff, shall implement the following public health measures:
- promote physical distancing where possible
- maintain hygiene standards and disinfection regimes
- ensure staff are informed and trained to implement public health measures
- ensure patrons are supported in maintaining the Market’s health measures
- maintain attendance records of patrons and staff for the purposes of contact tracing
- where required, employ COVID Safety Marshals to ensure adherence to this COVID Action Plan.
By implementing these public health measures, we can all help mitigate the risks of COVID-19 and help keep our community safe.
The following table outlines key public health principles that relate to Boatshed Markets:
Physical distancing
There are no longer any mandatory requirements related to crowd densities, physical distancing or patron caps. However, physical distancing remains an important public health principle that should be maintained, where possible.
Evidence demonstrates that mass gatherings facilitate the spread of infectious diseases. Physical distancing is one of the most effective methods of reducing the spread of viruses. The more space between patrons, the harder it is for viruses to spread. If a person is found to be positive for COVID-19, the risk of transmission to the other patrons, staff and volunteers is decreased if people have been practising physical distancing appropriately.
Managing Physical Distancing
To promote physical distancing between patrons, we may wish to consider the following as a minimum:
- leave spaces between different groups or individuals in seated areas and amusement rides
- adequately space queues by clearly indicating 1.5m distances
- provide seating if staged performances are permitted to avoid crowding
- minimise likelihood of congregating at sanitary stations, toilets, food and water distribution areas by increasing availability
- designate COVID Safety Marshals to encourage people to maintain physical distancing.
- increase frequency of public transport or chartered vehicles related to the event
- provide additional entry points to spread entry load
- manage entry queuing by clearly indicating 1.5m distances
- stagger the arrival and departure of patrons
- allocate specific timeframes or sessions for patrons with sufficient time in between
- implement automated, digital ticket checking
- have fixed ticket scanners or turnstiles where feasible
- divert departures through separate, dedicated exits to ensure one directional flow of patrons.
HYGEINE AND CLEANING REGIMES
Personal Hygiene for Patrons and Staff
It is still important to ensure patrons, staff and volunteers are provided with the ability to maintain high personal hygiene standards. The following measures must be considered:
- Display signage at the entry and throughout the venue to remind individuals of the need to maintain good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
- Ensure signage is easily visible to maximise engagement. Consider signage which is easily understood by the anticipated patrons of the event.
- Keep main thoroughfare doors open or use automated doors to reduce touch points.
- Provide adequate, secured hand washing/sanitiser stations, and encourage all patrons, staff and volunteers to use the facilities regularly.
- Ensure alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol is available.
- Provide hands-free basins (if possible), with liquid soap and single-use paper towels, in toilet facilities.
- Adequate supply of soap and paper hand towels to be maintained in toilets throughout the duration of the event to promote hand hygiene.
- Consider use of Perspex counter (sneeze) guards where staff are positioned at static points and regularly interacting with patrons. If installed, screens should be regularly cleaned and disinfected.
Increased Cleaning and Disinfection Regimes
The presence of the virus in the environment can be a source of infection. This risk can be reduced through the following measures:
- Increase frequency of cleaning in all areas.
- Ensure enough cleaners are employed to maintain an effective cleaning regime.
- Establish a thorough and regular cleaning regime of common contact surfaces, ‘high touch’ items and shared amenities, such as handles, taps, handrails, break room facilities, EFTPOS keypads, counter tops and toilets.
- Keep a cleaning log to ensure the cleaning regime is being strictly adhered to.
- Consider having a COVID Safety Marshal monitor the cleaning log to ensure it is current. The Marshal must be provided with a list of management contacts who can act on any lapses in the cleaning regime.
- Develop a specific cleaning regime for shared equipment (e.g. amusement rides/inflatables, arcade games, silent disco headphones, sporting equipment etc).
- Ensure patrons have access to hand sanitiser in the immediate vicinity to any shared equipment to enable them to perform hand hygiene after contact.
If you think a surface may be contaminated, clean it with a common household disinfectant which will kill the virus. Cleaning products should be appropriate for the surface to be cleaned. In general, combined detergent/disinfectant solutions or wipes are acceptable for hard surfaces. Some products such as bleach can damage fabrics, stainless steel and other surfaces. It will be important to continue to comply with any requirements regarding use of chemicals, including the use of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemicals utilised.
For most general cleaning tasks, a neutral detergent with pH between 6 and 8 should be used. The use of combined detergent/disinfectant wipes is acceptable, or solutions can be prepared fresh each day. If using a bleach solution, look for products which give you a 1000 ppm (0.1%) bleach solution either neat or when diluted with water. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions if any detergent or disinfectant products require mixing with water prior to use. Never mix different cleaning products as in some instances toxic gases can be generated. Refer to the Environmental cleaning in the workplace factsheet for further advice.
STAFF MANAGEMENT
Staff Health and Safety
Stallholders, members and guests should employ the following strategies in the lead up to Market Day:
- Remind volunteers and staff not to attend if they are unwell, have been in contact with a positive COVID-19 patient, are awaiting COVID-19 test results or have been instructed to self-isolate.
- Maintain a register of contact details for all staff, contractors and volunteers to facilitate contact tracing if required.
- Encourage staff to maintain respiratory etiquette (e.g. sneezing/coughing into their elbow) and good hand hygiene through frequent washing or use of hand sanitiser.
- Staff could consider getting the annual flu shot, to reduce the chance of a staff member becoming unwell with symptoms resembling COVID-19.
- Managing Physical Distancing Between Stalls
Consider the level of physical interaction between staff and, if appropriate, implement the following measures to enable staff to practice physical distancing more effectively:
- Reduce interaction between staff.
- Stagger breaks to ensure physical distancing occurs during break times.
- Maintain physical distancing in break room facilities by adequately spacing chairs etc.
Physical distancing for staff and volunteers is equally important when they are not working (e.g. on meal/toilet breaks, arriving work, leaving after a shift), as it is often when interactions occur which could lead to an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission. Staff and volunteers should be vigilant about maintaining physical distancing during work-related transition periods or activities as well as outside of work, including when socialising with each other.
Staff Training and Education
Staff and volunteers should be appropriately trained. The Federal Department of Health provides a free 30-minute online “Infection Control Training – COVID-1 9 ” training module which covers the fundamentals of infection prevention and control for COVID-19. Establish a process to obtain and record evidence from all staff and volunteers that they have completed the training.
It is also useful to communicate with staff pre-event and display health promotion material (e.g. posters) around the event site to remind individuals of the need to practice physical distancing, good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
COVID Safety Marshals
A COVID Safety Marshal is an individual who monitors, carries out and promotes public health measures detailed in this Plan. The Committee shall identify the need for, and number of, COVID Safety Marshals if and when they are required, based on the occasion and the format of activities involved. They will visually identify themselves as a COVID Safety Marshal to the public and any authorised officer (e.g. wear a distinctive safety (Hi-Vis) vest or uniform clothing). They may simultaneously perform another role, but have a thorough understanding of this COVID Action Plan and its requirements.
The primary role of the COVID Safety Marshal is to ensure the public health measures outlined in this COVID Action Plan is implemented and maintained during Market Day by all patrons, staff, volunteers and contractors.
Marshals are expected to take reasonable measures to encourage individuals to adhere to measures outlined in this Plan, but are not responsible for the behaviour of other individuals or Boat Shed Market’s overall compliance with the current Directions or conditions related to this COVID Action Plan. COVID Safety Marshals have no formal enforcement role. If any enforcement action is required, this should be escalated to WA Police on 131 444.
The public health control measures to be carried out by the COVID Safety Marshal before, during and after the event are listed below, and may include additional measures as specified in the this COVID Action Plan:
- promote and take practical steps to ensure infection control practices are in place
- monitor the cleaning regime and ensure cleaning is maintained
- ensure hand sanitiser is provided at all high touch points
- regularly monitor and replace soap, hand towel and sanitiser, as required
- promote and take practical steps to encourage people to maintain physical distancing
- count patrons to monitor crowd density if instructed by the committee to do so
- where queuing/crowing occurs, encourage patrons to remain 1.5m apart
- redirect patrons to alternative food and beverage service areas that are less crowded
- observe patrons and staff for unwell individuals displaying cold or flu-like symptoms
- implement appropriate protocol for unwell persons
- talk to the patron/staff and explain why their behaviour or action is causing a risk
- offer a way to resolve the issue/risk
- inform Boat Shed management of any issues that cannot be resolved if enforcement is required, contact WAPOL on 131 444.
Compliance with legislation and regulations
In addition to the legal obligations arising from the Emergency Management Act 2005 and the Directions made under that Act, Boat Shed Markets will continue to have obligations under existing legislation and regulations, including Worksafe legislation.
CONTACT REGISTERS AND RESPONSE PLANNING
Contact Register Requirements
Contact registers remain mandatory at all events over 500 people. Contact registers are also required for some gatherings of 500 people or less in public outdoor spaces (although it should be noted that COVID Event Plans or Checklists are not required for gatherings of 500 people or less).
Contact register requirements must be maintained. Maintaining a contact register is an extra safety measure and one of the most effective ways to ensure rapid contact tracing to control the spread of COVID-19 in the event a case is detected in the community.
To facilitate contact tracing, the use of a QR code system, such as the SafeWA App, is highly recommended. If we choose to use another QR code, we will also clearly display the WA Government’s SafeWA QR code. This will ensure that patrons are able to choose their preferred registration platform and facilitate the most effective and efficient collection of information for contact tracing purposes. Wer must also make available a paper based register for those individuals who do not use a QR code.
Managing Unwell Patrons/Staff
All efforts must be made to remind patrons, staff and volunteers not to attend the event if unwell, awaiting COVID-19 test results or under direction to remain in isolation/quarantine. However, it will be important to establish a protocol for identifying and managing unwell patrons that present during an event. This must be communicated clearly to all staff and volunteers PRIOR to Market Day.
Any staff or volunteer identifying an unwell patron should report the incident toa Committee Member, who will escalate as appropriate. All people must attend to a symptomatic patient safely by following these guidelines:
- Establish an area to isolate/assess symptomatic patients. A clear exit path should be established which does not involve passing through crowded areas
- Provide symptomatic patrons/staff with a mask to help contain respiratory droplets generated from coughing and sneezing.
- Ensure all staff attending symptomatic patients wear gloves, eye protection and a disposable surgical mask, and dispose of them immediately/appropriately after contact, followed immediately by hand hygiene. All staff must be trained in the correct donning, doffing and wearing of PPE and performance of hand hygiene.
- Equip all first aid posts/isolation areas with hand washing facilities and hand sanitisers.
- Establish a plan to remove potentially symptomatic patrons from the event as soon as possible, in a safe and appropriate manner.
- If you become aware that someone with a case of COVID-19 has attended the Markets, contact a Committee Member who will ring the COVID Public Hotline on 13 COVID (13 26843) or 9328 0553 (A/H) and follow the advice of public health officers.
- Risk Review
The Committee will regularly review COVID risk management measures, in consultation with Stallholders, staff and their representatives, with advice from the Department of Health or local government and assess and decide whether any changes or additional control measures are required. The Committee will meet regularly to discuss safety and health issues.
COMMUNICATION
Stakeholder engagement
We must continue to establish direct links and communicate regularly with local and state public health authorities, including the first aid provider for the event and the local government environmental health officer within the relevant jurisdiction. It will also be important to be aware of developments in the state response to COVID-19 as we progress with planning future events and determine triggers that will indicate the need to reconsider or revise your plans. It may also be useful to establish a clear command structure, to facilitate rapid communication of information, and efficient decision-making during the event.
Increasing Community Confidence
Appropriate risk communication is integral to the planning and running of successful Markets. It also provides the community with confidence in the safety of our event.. Consideration should be given to the following:
- Establish a single point of communication and ensure messaging remains consistent, realistic, and reassuring.
- Increase public health messaging before and during events, provide reminders to stay home if unwell or have recently been in contact with a positive COVID-19 patient; practice hand hygiene, physical distancing and respiratory etiquette; and leave/seek assistance if symptoms develop while at an event.
- Ensure refund policies are well defined on the Boat Shed website, on social media and other communications. This should explicitly outline policies when someone is not able to attend due to illness and should, as far as practicable, not penalise someone for doing the right thing and not attending when unwell.
- Facilitate the collection of contact register details from both staff and attendees.
- Develop a good relationship with the media to assist communication efforts related to local risk assessment and actions being undertaken to limit risk and maintain patron safety during event.
Post Market Debrief
The Committee will hold a debriefing session with all stakeholders to evaluate implemented risk mitigation strategies. As always, it will be important for the review our processes to identify improvements that can be made, to help future Markets.
If public health authorities suspect that transmission of COVID-19 has occurred, it will be important for the committee and Stallholderss to support the response of authorities. Stallholders must liaise with public health authorities and facilitate the sharing of any relevant information, including details related to any symptomatic participants.
Management of People and Equipment from Overseas and/or Interstate
All efforts will be made to employ performers, staff, contractors and equipment suppliers within the Albany region. This will support the local economy and reduce the potential risk associated with a case of COVID-19 being brought into the State.
Managing event performers and/or workers from overseas/interstate.
The ability for an individual to travel into WA from interstate to attend, work or perform at an event will depend upon the State’s border arrangements at the time the event is held.
The Committee is aware that WA’s border status can change at very short notice, potentially prohibiting talent or production crew from entering the State or requiring them to self or centre quarantine whilst here. Sourcing local talent, where possible, will assist in minimising any potential impact on an event as a result of changes to border arrangements.
If border restrictions are in place, only people classified as exempt travellers under the Quarantine (Closing the Border) Directions may be considered for entry into WA.
Applications for travel into WA are managed through a process known as the G2G Pass. Approval of an Event in no way guarantees, supports or endorses the entry of individuals to WA from interstate or overseas.
If a G2G pass has been granted, individuals permitted to enter WA from interstate for the purposes of performing/working at an event can still expect to be directed to spend 14 days in either self-quarantine or centre quarantine, as a condition to their entry.
Unless in exceptional circumstances, International travellers will not be permitted entry in WA for the purposes of performing or working at an event.
Cleaning and Disinfection of equipment from interstate or overseas
If equipment is permitted to be brought in from interstate or overseas, it must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected on arrival in WA. Hand hygiene must be performed after cleaning and disinfection. Any equipment that cannot be adequately disinfected (e.g. speakers, softly furnished items) should be quarantined in an allocated area for at least 72 hours prior to use. This could be inclusive of transit time if minimally touched during transit. Once the event has concluded, workers will need to clean and disinfect equipment, in preparation for freight, and record these details in a cleaning register.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE
Compliance with Directions and Guidelines
It is particularly important that Boat Shed organisers remain aware that relevant Directions or Guidelines impacting events can change rapidly based on the advice of the Chief Health Officer or risk of COVID-19, requiring modification of an event format, postponement or cancellation at very short notice.
It remains the Committee’s responsibility to ensure all Market Days continue to comply with this COVID Action Plan and any relevant Directions, current at the time of the Market.
Should COVID-19 activity increase in the community, Directions may change, potentially requiring the modification, postponement or cancellation of events. Therefore, it will also be important for the Committee to discuss implications with their insurer, and address all actions relating to modification, delay or potential cancellation of their event in their Risk and Emergency Management Plans.
Cost to Implement this Plan
Stallholders may be required to cover the costs of patron masks, cleaning material or any other costs incurred to maintain the Boat Shed Markets operating status during COVID. Any costs will be shared by all Stallholders in attendance on any given Market Day.
APPENDIX 1
WA Govt Response to Outbreaks in Great Southern
COVID-19 UPDATE – WA HEALTH
From Monday 21 February 2022, the following information was received:
- 2SQM rule: Indoor and outdoor events
*Note: We are not defined as an event, see below. But we will implement the 2SQM rule.
- Gatherings of less than 500 patrons, such as weddings, corporate functions, festivals, carnivals, fetes, markets and funeral/memorial services, are not required to have a COVID Event Plan or Checklist, as they are not defined as an event under the current Directions. Please note, capacity limits are in place for outdoor private gatherings in affected regions.
Email Correspondence
From Monday 31 January 2022, proof of vaccination will NOT be required for entry into Boatshed Markets. An email dated 30 January 2022 to Albany Maritime Foundation, with Subject: RE: Albany Boatshed stated:
“The Directions were updated yesterday evening and your venue is no longer captured. You are not required to enforce proof of vaccination at your venue.”
Source: Jaala - Public Events Team, Environmental Health System Support
Environmental Health Directorate, Public and Aboriginal Health Division | Department of Health
T: (08) 9285 5500 | E: PublicEvents@health.wa.gov.au
www.health.wa.gov.au | www.healthywa.wa.gov.au
Venue (Re)Classification
Above is an instruction by email dated: 30 January 2022 issued to the Albany Maritime Foundation (Boatshed Custodians). It has classified the Boatshed as not requiring Proof of Vaccinations as part of it’s COVID Action protocol. Therefore, no changes to the way Boat Shed Markets operate their COVID Action Plan is necessary and the contents herein currently apply. Proof of Vaccinations for COVID-19 are currently in Perth, Peel and selected regions in Western Australia. But they do not apply to Boat Shed Markets.
Mask Wearing
From 6pm on 27 January 2022, mask wearing is mandatory at all public indoor settings in the Great Southern and Wheat belt regions. Masks are also required on public transport, taxis and ride sharing (the usual exemptions apply). Mask wearing requirements do not apply to primary school aged students, younger children and those who are exempt.
Source: https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/blog/restrictions-businesses-perth-peel-and-south-west
Proof of Vaccinations for Stallholders (and associated staff/volunteers)
On Wednesday, 2 February 2022 at 11:44 AM, the President of the Boat Shed Markets received an email from the WA Health Department confirming that the requirement NOT to enforce proof of vaccinations would extend to not only patrons, but to our Stallholders as well.
Proof of Vaccinations for Customers
Not required as per correspondence noted above.
End of Document