A LOCKDOWN in South Australia aimed at halting the spread of a coronavirus cluster has prompted calls for truck drivers entering Victoria to have all necessary protections.
South Australia is to be locked down for six days as of midnight tonight with people restricted from going outside of their homes.
The South Australian premier Steven Marshall has told the media the measures are necessary to allow for a contact tracing blitz.
Transport Workers Union WU SA/NT branch secretary Ian Smith said drivers needed to be able to continue doing their jobs as essential workers.
“We support any measures that keep the community safe during the pandemic, but we urge that truckies are given the protections they need to continue doing their jobs,” he said.
“We want assurances that drivers will be able to cross the border to deliver the food, fuel, medicines and other goods they are transporting.”
Mr Smith said they also needed assurances that whatever restrictions were put in place that drivers were able to continue accessing truck stops with showers, meals and rest areas still open.
South Australian Freight Council executive Evan Knapp said freight as an essential service would continue as per normal albeit the measures were still being finalised by the government.
