Airport Covid-19 outbreak sends 750 Qantas workers into quarantine
Health authorities have ordered 750 Qantas workers to self-isolate as a Covid-19 cluster continues to grow at Adelaide Airport.
One of the largest clusters in the country, there are now 32 staff members infected, as questions continue to swirl over Qantas’ handling of the situation.
South Australia’s chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said the risk of infection has expanded beyond the baggage handling area and could now affect managers, pilots and cabin crew.
"For this reason, we’ll be requesting approximately 750 Qantas staff who worked in those areas to self-isolate and be in quarantine immediately," Spurrier said.
The Transport Workers Union said Qantas ‘knowingly exposed’ staff to the risk of infection by asking employees to continue working.
The airline failed to tell workers to stay home and isolate even after they worked with baggage handlers who tested positive for coronavirus.
Qantas says it has ‘complied fully with SA Health’s directions.’
The union is seeking a full investigation.
"Others went on to contract the virus and no doubt spread it to even more staff and their families," said Ian Smith, TWU South Australian branch secretary.
Last month Qantas was admonished by the NSW workplace safety watchdog for substandard cleaning measures and issued an improvement order.
SafeWork NSW is also investigating allegations the airline suspended a worker who is an official health and safety rep for raising concerns staff could be exposed to the virus.
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