SPECIAL LEAVE FOR PSA MEMBERS DURING COVID-19 - Public Service Association

SPECIAL LEAVE FOR PSA MEMBERS DURING COVID-19

In March 2020, the PSA won provisions for all of its members including casuals to take special leave during the pandemic.
The recently extended arrangements for NSW Public Servants during the COVID-19 pandemic leave can be viewed HERE https://arp.nsw.gov.au/c2020-01-employment-arrangements-during-covid-19/
The PSA is aware of different interpretations out there by line managers. The following relates to when you need to see a doctor.
If you have flu like/COVID symptoms you should not attend work, and due to the current pandemic, should inform your employer and get a COVID test.
• You should stay away from work until you are cleared from the COVID test and all flu like symptoms have been absent for a medically guided period. You should ask the testing clinic for a written confirmation regarding your negative test, as your employer does have a WHS duty of care for all its workers.
• If it is positive, you can make a claim for pandemic special leave, which may also be available to other close contacts if contact tracing by NSW Health deems
• Most employers are accepting written notification (both sms and paper) that you attended a COVID clinic, but several are not, so clarify with your supervisor prior.
• If you are sick for other injuries or illnesses, then normal medically guided time off work will apply and should be included in certificate, if the absence requires a certificate under the award. For example, with sprains and strains RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is often recommended for 48 hours, and often with contagious conditions such as gastro and food poisoning, chicken pox, etc medical advice may recommends 72 hours before returning to work to reduce contagion.
• Members should be aware that even for flu like symptoms most medical practices will allow bulk billing for telehealth medical consultations and can write up prescriptions and doctors certificates without the need to wait in a waiting room.
Please be aware that most awards have a requirement for “supporting evidence” for medical illness based on number of occasions or days absent.
Contact the PSA Member Support Centre for advice and support on 1300 772 679.

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