The COVID-19 pandemic is starting to raise concerns for members as it starts to make its way into the centres and court locations. Many members do not understand the role of the Command Post regarding contact tracing and how the Command Post works with Population Health and NSW Health.

The Commissioner has put out a direction 2021/36 Novel Coronavirus (COVID- 19) Interim Measure – Confirmation of authority regarding return to work following contact tracing in custodial environments. 

An email was sent to Bathurst staff from Blake Conwell Commander COVID-19 Command Post with further information and clarity to the process. The email information is below:

The Command Post understands there has been confusion relating to the advice from NSW Health and then the following direction from the Command Post.

Clarification on Close Contacts Definitions & NSW Health Advice

In most situations, staff attending a COVID positive location in the community are advised by NSW Health that they are a ‘Close Contact’ and are automatically sent a text message informing them that they are to ‘self-isolate’ for 14 days.

NSW Health do not individually assess a situation, they, by default, only provide advice around 14 days isolation as a blanket rule. The way in which CSNSW work with Population Health is different to community close contacts, in that our environments and our interactions with each other and inmates are unique; this means that some information from NSW Health will differ slightly to that provided by the Command Post.

For some of you, this means you may not have to isolate for the 14 day period (depending on your individual situation), unless directed to by the Command Post, which is based off an individual assessment by Population Health.

Population Health and the Command Post have been providing advice to each individual staff member who has been assessed. This advice will inform you of any isolation and testing requirements. If you are advised that you are not required to isolate for any period of time, then you will informed, via email from the Command Post, and you will be eligible to return to work.

Staff that have been identified through the contact tracing process HAVE now been contacted directly by the Command Post and provided follow up advice in regards to the their level of exposure and next steps. All staff must adhere to the assessment made by Population Health and directions regarding isolation and safe return to work. These are communicated directly to staff via the Command Post on completion of contact tracing.

Any staff who have had a COVID test as a precaution and have not been contacted by the Command Post as a result of being a close contact, can return to the workplace following a NEGATIVE test result.

If any staff have not been contacted by the Command Post and believe they are a close contact, they should immediately contact the Command Post for advice.

Following formal advice from the Command Post (via email), if you are directed back to the workplace and choose to ignore the direction the following will apply;

• You will not be eligible for special leave
• You will be placed as Leave without Pay (LWOP)
• Any additional leave arrangements will be at the discretion of your Governor or Manager

Please see Commissioner Instruction 2021-36 – Confirmation of Authority regarding Return to Work following contact tracing in custodial environments

Hopefully this clears up any confusion and if anyone has any issues please contact the Command Post, Natalie Howes or Nicole Jess for assistance.

COVID Posts

It is imperative that COVID posts are filled in centres and court locations. These posts are imperative as a line of defence to ensure protocols are being carried out and in keeping staff and inmates safe.

If there is issues with having posts filled in centres and locations please contact Natalie Howes or Nicole Jess.

Contact Details

Nicole Jess – Chairperson
0427 609 199

Natalie Howes – Secretary
0407 011 441