COVID-19: UPDATE ON LEAVE FOR OCCUPATIONALLY ACQUIRED COVID-19

On 26 May 2020, we sent out a newsflash titled ‘COVID-19: Leave for occupationally acquired COVID-19’, which addressed how employers can treat employee absence from work as a result of:

• testing positive for COVID-19;
• displaying symptoms of COVID-19; and
• having been in close contact with a person who tested positive.

We understand that amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Directive and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) Notice are currently being considered.

As soon as these amendments have been published, we will issue a clarification of the employer’s obligations pertaining to employee absence during the pandemic. We advise that clients approach this topic with caution until clarity is reached.