Learn how changes in the isolation period can affect your business
Australian businesses welcomed the cut on the COVID-19 isolation period, stating that this will alleviate the current workforce shortages, which hinder many businesses’ post-pandemic recovery, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) said in a media release.
Recently, HRD reported on New South Wales and Victoria’s implementation of eased close contact isolation rules and the businesses’ calls for other states and territories to follow the lead.
While the government focused on reducing the isolation period and not the relief in close contact isolation rules, businesses still believe it’s a step toward resolving staff shortages.
Based on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s media release, the federal cabinet agreed on August 31 to reduce the isolation period for COVID-19 from seven to five days, provided that people are free of symptoms at five days.
It further said that a seven-day mandatory isolation period would remain effective for employees in high-risk places, including aged care, disability care, and individuals providing care in the home.
According to Albanese, the modification of the number of days of isolation is only “proportionate” to the changing situations of the pandemic.
“These changes will come into effect from Friday 9 September, with the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment (PLDP) eligibility to reflect the changed isolation periods, effective the same date,” the government said.
ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar said that while the continued ease in COVID-19 restrictions helped improve the rate of worker absenteeism, workforce shortages still considerably burden several businesses.
Thus, cutting the isolation period would mean more employees can return to work in advance so long as they are free from any covid symptoms.
“Workers who are not symptomatic and are not in high-risk industries will be allowed to return to the workplace after five days, acting to relieve the labour and supply chain pressures that tens of thousands of businesses are confronting right now,” McKellar said.
“With businesses recording worsening staff absences, this change will enable more employees to return to work earlier, ensuring businesses can keep their doors open and keep the economy moving,” McKellar said.
The Albanese government also announced that effective 9 September, wearing masks on domestic flights will no longer be mandatory, which the ACCI also lauded.
“Changes to mask-wearing rules on flights for domestic travellers is also a step,” McKellar said. “Removing the mandate will offer a much better flight positive experience, noting that travellers can still wear a mask if they choose to.”
The ACCI chief executive also reminded businesses to ensure that their COVIDSafe plans factor in the recent changes made by the government.
