The government has now scrapped mandatory isolation for people who have tested positive to COVID-19. Masks are still required to be worn in public and private hospitals and GPs and health care sites may also continue to enforce mask requirements to protect at risk patients and clients. Those who test positive are encouraged to stay home until they are well. Close contacts should monitor for symptoms, test if they feel unwell and stay at home until well again. It is recommended that close contacts wear masks when in indoor places and on public transport and notify their employers.

As an employer, you can set a WHS policy around managing COVID-19 in the workplace. The following is a guide on what policies your business could implement:

1. My employee is a close contact (e.g. a family member has tested COVID positive)

If your employee presents no symptoms and wishes to continue working, then you can direct them to wear a mask at work and to isolate themselves from other workers. You have a duty to protect your other employees at work from contracting COVID, so you must have control measures in place, such as sanitisation and social distancing rules etc.

2. My employee has symptoms or is feeling unwell

Direct any employee that is feeling unwell to go home or stay home.

3. My employee has tested COVID positive and has symptoms

Direct employee to stay home and isolate for 5 days and only return once well again.

4. My employee has tested COVID positive and has no symptoms

If your employee is positive but has no symptoms and wishes to continue working, you can direct them to stay home for 5 days as they are infectious for that period. Alternatively, if you can implement reasonable adjustments at work to keep the other employees safe or the employee can work from home, then you can make appropriate accommodations.

5. What do I pay my employees?

As per usual, if an employee stays home due to illness, you may request evidence and they will either use paid or unpaid personal leave, or annual leave upon request. You must include it in your policy, if reasonable accommodations cannot be made and an employee is directed to isolate for 5 days, then they will be required to take personal leave or annual leave if they request it.

Your policy should state that you will operate on a case-by-case basis and will make adjustments where necessary.

If you require any assistance or advice in developing a policy, please contact the Workplace Relations Teams on 8291 2000, or at wr@mtasant.com.au.