HEALTH and security measures will be put in place to prevent seasonal workers – quarantining at a new Riverland facility – from spreading COVID-19 in the community.
The State Government on Sunday announced a $7 million initiative to convert the Paringa Resort into a quarantine facility for backpacker workers participating in the Commonwealth Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme.
Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said participants would receive a COVID-19 test upon arrival to South Australia, plus regular tests while staying in the Riverland.
“This will be done in a professional and safe manner, with oversight from both SA Health and SAPOL, and the Transition Committee,” Mr Whetstone said.
“When they get off the aircraft in Adelaide they will be tested, then they will be taken to a facility to be processed. We will know their swab results before they get to the Riverland.
“Currently there are over 2000 Pacific Islanders in Australia, and there have been no positive tests to date.
“They will be swabbed on arrival, on day five and day 12, and they will have daily saliva tests.”
SA Health chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said the layout of units at the resort made it possible to quarantine workers in groups.
“People can quarantine within those units and not come into contact with our staff, or any South Australian,” Prof Spurrier said.
“It’s our responsibility in health to make sure there’s no incursion of COVID into our community.
“It’s not possible for us to use the same (medi-hotel) model for seasonal workers, so we’ve had to think outside the square. We can maintain the safety of South Australians using this model.”
It is understood the facility – usually used by the Costa group – is estimated to be operational by March 25, with the first group of 216 workers set to arrive on April 8.
Mr Whetstone said the Paringa Resort would utilise similar security measures to Adelaide’s medi-hotels.
“The facility will be compliant with medi-hotel type security, so we’ll see all the cabins individually fenced-off (and) extensive CCTV,” he said.
“There will be a control centre at the resort and everything will be done in accordance with what the community expects to keep them safe.
“There will be a light shone on this facility and everyone will be watching with anticipation.”
Mr Whetstone said co-operation between State Government and local accommodation providers would be required to house workers following the two-week quarantine period.
“Once these people have been quarantined, after two weeks we need to put them in accommodation,” he said. “It’s a complex situation, because the 250 beds at the Paringa Resort will not be used for accommodation.
“We’ve got to ensure a high level of co-ordination with all the approved employers and contractors.”