Auswild & Broad | Blog

What has changed?

From October 14, 2022 if you test positive to COVID-19 you will no longer be forced to isolate for five days as the government works to remove almost all pandemic-related restrictions. This will apply across each state and territory. There is an exception for those who work in high-risk settings such as health and aged care with those employees still needing to isolate.

Does this mean people can go to work, school while positive with COVID-19?

It means people will no longer be mandated by law to stay at home for five days if they test positive to the virus. Theoretically it means that people could attend work and school, unless they are in a high-risk setting such as health and aged care. However, much like having the flu, it is still advised for workers not to attend work if they're sick.

What about the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment for people who test positive?

That will also end on October 14. However there will still be some "targeted financial support" for casual workers, on the same basis as the current payment, and for workers in aged care, disability care, Indigenous healthcare and hospital care sectors.