SAFETY measures are being implemented at Paringa’s quarantining facility to minimise the risks of COVID-19 being spread by travelling harvest workers – set to arrive in the Riverland from tomorrow.
Pacific Island seasonal workers – being brought to the Riverland in order to fill labour shortages – are expected to begin arriving in 24 to 48 hours, and government-paid workers have been erecting shelter huts on the town oval this week.
Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said meticulous preparation was required to ease concerns being aired across the community.
“It’s the first time we’ve had a regional quarantine facility in South Australia, and we need to make sure all the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed,” Mr Whetstone said
“It’s a big operation, and to potentially have 1200 people coming into the region from overseas (means) we need to make sure we keep our region safe.
“We can’t have any unmet concerns or unmet answers, because this is a bit of a test case. It’s critically important we get it right.
“The preferred employers have put a huge commitment into making sure they get their workforce, and they have an expectation everything will run smoothly so they get a return on their investment.”
The Murray Pioneer understands a final inspection of the Paringa Resort facility will be conducted today or tomorrow.
Mr Whetstone said workers quarantining in Paringa would receive daily COVID-19 tests for a two-week period.
“They will fly into Adelaide and be transferred to an administration facility,” he said.
“They will have all of their paperwork cleared and they will have the results of their swab (tests) back before they get to Paringa.
“They will have three swab tests, and then saliva tests every day they are in quarantine.
“Once they’ve passed that scrutiny, they will be moved into accommodation and then we hope to get them into orchards.”
Mr Whetstone said transportable huts – made by Adelaide-based company Humanihut – would be utilised at Paringa Oval by health and security staff.
“There will be personnel who have moveable offices,” he said.
“We’ve got security on site coming and going, and there will be health personnel everywhere.
“Everything has to be catered for just in case. We can’t just wait for something to happen, we need to be prepared if something does happen.”
Mr Whetstone said co-operation would be needed between health workers, emergency services and locals to ensure the program’s success.
“This is quite a logistical exercise,” he said.
“We’ve got SAPOL, security, health, and Humanihut personnel… we’ve got people in all the local country clubs and hotels in the area.”