Protocols established during the first lockdowns in 2020 have been strengthen according to the region's biggest coal miner Glencore to allow continuing operations during current seven day lockdown.
Yesterday the Hunter was placed into lock down for a week, bringing the region into the umbrella of "the toughest lockdown restrictions anywhere in Australia" in force for Sydney and the Central Coast.
Individuals should only leave their homes for work if they cannot work from home, exercise, essential shopping, to access medical treatment or on compassionate grounds.
Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook and Newcastle local government areas will fall under the harsher restrictions as seen in greater Sydney from 5pm on Thursday.
Mining is considered an essential service and operations will continue during the lockdown.
A spokesman for Glencore said the company has further strengthened protocols in place across its NSW coal operations and offices in response to the latest COVID-19 outbreak.
"Temperature testing, provision of hand sanitiser and cleaning products and social distancing have been maintained across our operations since the initial phase of COVID in early 2020," he said.
"Following the latest guidance from health authorities, wearing of masks in indoor areas is again mandatory at all sites; no visitors will be allowed at our NSW operations and offices unless essential; and only essential travel in regional NSW will be permitted.
"The protocols aim to ensure we can continue to support Government efforts to manage COVID by minimising the risks for our people, continuing to operate and maintaining support for local communities, as we were able to do throughout 2020.
"We are also supporting Government efforts to get people vaccinated."
More information about protocols in place at Glencore sites can be found at: https://www.glencore.com.au/media-and-insights/our-response-to-covid-19
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
