UFBA COVID-19 Updates and Working Group
The UFBA Vaccine Reference Group has been established to provide advice and guidance on a potential vaccine mandate for our sector.
The UFBA COVID-19 Working Group provide representation at Fire and Emergency meetings discussing operational matters.
Membership FAQs:Q: Will leave due to COVID-19 affect my service eligibility? 01 July 2022 Yesterday, the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order (No 5) 2022 was published. This amends the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021 which required FENZ operational personnel to be fully vaccinated. You can view the Amendment Order here: COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order (No 5) 2022 (SL 2022/207) – New Zealand Legislation Notably the amendments made to item 7.2 which change the roles and types of workers covered by the Health Order. Under item 7.2 vaccination is now only required for workers who are employed or engaged by a general practice or a pharmacy and whose role involves being within 2 metres or less of a health practitioner or a member of the public for a period of 15 minutes or more. FENZ have completed an external legal review to determine that these changes remove all Fire and Emergency roles from coverage under the Health Order, meaning that operational personnel will no longer be required to be vaccinated to undertake their Fire and Emergency duties. These amendments to the Order come into effect from 11.59pm on 7 July 2022 and at that time roles previously covered by the Health Order will then only be covered by Fire and Emergency’s Vaccination Policy which only requires vaccination for international travel. FENZ also advises that they are working through how they manage unvaccinated individuals who may be required to undertake ‘high risk activities’ as part of their role. In this context, FENZ define high-risk activities are non-emergency situations where PPE is not worn, and FENZ personnel are engaging with people who are less likely to be vaccinated or are at greater risk of severe illness should they contract COVID-19. FENZ will be reaching out to personnel who may have stepped away from duties over recent months and advise they will be following a clear, consistent process to manage their reintegration in a safe and respectful manner. Further information to follow about this over the coming days. The UFBA, through our COVID-19 reference group, will continue to engage with FENZ throughout this process, as we have done consistently for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. The UFBA, like FENZ understand how challenging this time has been for many people. If members have any concerns, please contact our Advocacy and Support team on 0508 832 269 or email support@ufba.org.nz
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Brigade Information
Latest Fire and Emergency Service Delivery COVID-19 Protection Framework (SDCPF) (updated 22/03/2022)
UFBA COVID-19 Working Group
The UFBA maintains active representation on the FENZ Covid-19 Taskforce. Led by Harry Howard SO Greytown VFB, who represents the wider group at meetings, the group representatives cover all regions using their local networks to feedback to him on regional considerations and issues. The UFBA representatives include:
- Graeme Booth - CFO Laingholme VFB and Past President - Te Hiku
- Glenn Williams - CFO Te Puke VFB and Past President - Ngā Tai ki te Puku
- Mark Osborne – SO Tawa VFB and Challenge Panel member - Te Upoko
- Hamish Peter - CFO Rangiora VFB and VDM - Te Ihu
- Jude Patterson - CFO Lawrence VFB - Te Kei
If you have a particular concern or issue you would like to raise with the taskforce, please email covid19@ufba.org.nz
