With the lowering of the covid-19 risk to Alert Level Two, and in consultation with Local Management, we are now in a position to relax some of the stringent conditions associated with our staff “bubbles”.
As of the morning crew change on Thursday the 14th of May, Jump times and conditions can return to normal, i.e. staff may jump individually instead of watch for watch. Staff are reminded that the risk of cross crew contamination still remains. To this end, the covid-19 related cleaning of vehicles and stations is to remain, as is the need to maintain social distancing between staff outside our usual crew “Bubble”.
We also don’t see the need at this stage to continue with limiting overtimes to your own stations, and so the issuing of inter-station overtimes is to revert to business as usual.
As we enter Level 2, I expect there will be a greater appetite for staff to apply for discretionary leave, that coupled with our continued messaging about not turning up to work while sick, will put pressure on our ability to keep “Bums on seats”. Please do all you can to share the load so everyone can share in the new found freedom.
The relaxing of these conditions will need to be balanced with vigilance in maintaining our new hygiene standards, wearing of appropriate PPE and maintaining appropriate social distancing. At any stage that a staff member falls ill with potential Covid-19 symptoms, we may need to immediately revert to our safe watch and station “bubbles”.
A personal thank-you from your local committee for your efforts to help in maintaining all of our safety. Keep it up.
