Working start times may be staggered to avoid peak-hour coronavirus risk

Updated 10 May 2020 at 5:04 pm·2-min read

Businesses are being urged to stagger the times employees start and finish work ahead of a planned easing of COVID-19 restrictions over the coming months.

Authorities have begun planning for the resumption of normal trading with the Commonwealth and state governments readying for the associated influx of people on public transport.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday mapped out the national cabinet's planned three-step easing of restrictions and set an aspirational July target for the return of most employees to their workplaces.

A man wears a face mask as he waits for a bus at Sydney's Wynyard Station. — A Sydney man waits for a bus at Wynyard Station in Sydney's CBD. Source: AAP

Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy says authorities will convene a meeting on Monday to discuss the gradual return of commuters to public transport.

He said increased numbers on buses and trains would create challenges around maintaining social distancing.

"One of the most important things is to reduce the density," Professor Murphy said on Sunday.

"Social distancing is not possible when you are crowded. We are very keen, for those who are working from home to continue working from home for the time being."

A woman wearing a mask as a preventative measure against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) boards a public bus at Railway Square bus station in Sydney. — A woman boards a bus at Railway Square bus station in Sydney. Source: AAP

Public transport agencies have already introduced COVID-19 safety measures, including increased cleaning of carriages, and Prof Murphy said hand sanitiser would need to be supplied for commuters.

He said the government was looking at ways to spread out passengers.

"But we are also keen for employers and employees to look at staggered start and finish times," he said.

"I think we have to think about a very different way of people may be starting at work, some starting at seven o'clock, some starting at 10 o'clock and people finishing at different times.

Commuters are seen at Town Hall train station in Sydney. — Peak-hour in Sydney. Employers will be asked to stagger start and finish times to ease congestion on public transport. Source: AAP

"We have to think differently about that so there is a lot of planning going on in the meantime.

"The message – go back to work. But if it works for you and your employer, continue to work from home."

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