“The recent government announcement that vaccination against COVID-19 would become mandatory for anyone conducting high-risk work in the health and disability sector is welcomed by the Awanui network.
Awanui CEO Anoop Singh said the majority of our 2,100+ staff fall under the requirements included in the proposed updated COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021.
“”Our staff are people who either work where a health service is being provided, and in other situations staff will meet the criteria of someone who do not necessarily provide a health service, but their role requires frequent contact/engagement with those providing health services and is considered tied to a role within a healthcare setting.
Our teams all work with a wide variety of people throughout our day, including many in a healthcare setting and with the Delta variant of COVID-19 being so highly transmissible, we are supportive of the updated health order.
However, beyond the requirements set out by the proposed updated health order, Awanui leadership have strongly encouraged all our staff, no matter their role, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Our message to everyone across the Awanui network has been that getting vaccinated and following the public health measures provide the best defence for our staff and patients.
Encouraging vaccination also means we can all start to visit our family and friends around the country, businesses can reopen, and we can ensure our hospitals remain available to care for our most vulnerable.” said Mr Singh.