APAL updates Covid-safe requirements to protect people and production
NewsThe peak industry body representing apple and pear producers, APAL, today confirmed it will adopt strict Covid-safe requirements as it restarts its national program of industry extension events.
APAL CEO Phil Turnbull said, “Our strong preference is for individuals to be fully vaccinated. As national vaccination rates improve proof of full vaccination or lawful exemption will become a requirement for attendance at all in-person APAL events and activities.”
“At this stage we will require compliance with local Covid-safe requirements including vaccination, mask wearing and social distancing,” said Phil.
“In Victoria we have seen first-hand the disruption that occurs when there is an outbreak in a local growing region. We hope our interstate colleagues never go through a similar experience,” said Phil.
“Over the next few months, the states and ultimately the entire nation will move through vaccination thresholds that will allow the nation to open up and individuals to travel more freely within and between the apple and pear growing regions located in all states.
“After the disruption of almost two years we are very eager to be back in orchard with our growers, but like all businesses we have a duty to ensure we take reasonable, practicable steps to provide a safe workplace for our staff, contractors, volunteers as well as attendees and participants.”
“We are also very aware that the next few months are the critical period heading into harvest. The last thing anyone wants is to put people’s health at risk and disrupt the operations of our members’ businesses.”
“To keep our policy simple, consistent and, most importantly, to provide the highest level of protection for host orchards, attendees and our staff we are adopting these requirements for all APAL activities in all states – from board meetings to orchard walks,” said Phil.
APAL is working through the processes to support practical application beginning with next month’s program of Orchard Walks that will see local on-orchard events in all states.
“With the vast majority of eligible Australians already or on the way to being fully vaccinated, we are confident our updated arrangements will cause little inconvenience and provide welcome reassurance for host orchards and participants.”
APAL will confirm local event requirements closer to the date of each event.
“The rules are changing continuously so the simplest advice is if you are eligible and able get vaccinated,” said Phil.
| LGA | State | 1st dose % | 2nd dose % | Population |
| Orange (C) | New South Wales | >95% | 91.5% | 33,170 |
| Casey (C) | Victoria | >95% | 74.5% | 273,232 |
| Greater Shepparton (C) | Victoria | >95% | 78.2% | 52,988 |
| Snowy Valleys (A) | New South Wales | 94.6% | 78.8% | 11,726 |
| Adelaide Hills (DC) | South Australia | 89.5% | 74.2% | 32,450 |
| Huon Valley (M) | Tasmania | 82.9% | 65.6% | 14,405 |
| Manjimup (S) | Western Australia | 80.9% | 64.2% | 7,424 |
| Southern Downs (R) | Queensland | 77.8% | 61.0% | 28,960 |
