RV FEATURE
The state ’ s ‘ roadmap ’ to reopening , a staggered plan with various vaccination thresholds , was announced in September ; however , on October 1 , premier Daniel Andrews announced that every ‘ authorised worker ’ would have to be double dosevaccinated by November 26 .
“ With the Victorian government mandating full vaccination by November 26 in order to return to work , we will support our member organisations as best we can ,” Caravan Industry Victoria CEO Rob Lucas said .
“ Having said that , it seems clear to us that vaccinations are the front line in protection against covid and of course we want our economy to be open in the safest manner possible .
“ I have spoken to members on this subject ( reopening after covid lockdown ) in the past few weeks and understand our members ’ issues and concerns . They want to know that they can open safely and provide a workplace free of covid .
Caravan Industry Victoria CEO Rob Lucas , pictured at the Thetford factory opening in 2020 .
“ Of course , there are many variables for this to happen , including not only the members ’ staff being free of the virus but also contractors who enter their workplaces along with other visitors .”
The Victorian industry has been running a campaign called ‘ Don ’ t Shut Us Down ’, which is aimed at sending a clear message to staff that they have a responsibility to wear masks and get tested at the first hint of symptoms .
“ We have also made it clear to contractors who enter our members ’ premises that they too have a responsibility to ensure they are free of the virus before entering .
As for industry-run RV shows , Mr Lucas confirmed the association had the ability to ensure that only double dose-vaccinated people attended – if that became a requirement from the Victorian government .
“ Earlier this year , we conducted the Victorian Caravan , Camping & Touring Supershow , where we showed how well we can provide a safe environment for both patrons and exhibitors for our events . Our entry and exit gate processes were recognised by three different government departments who inspected the event over four days as the best three examples they had seen so far .”
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