INTRODUCTION:
After the National State of disaster was declared on the 15th of March 2022, numerous changes and different lock down measures was declared, lock down level 1 was finally declared on the 1st of October 2021 of which the last gazette was published on the 22nd of March 2022 regarding lock down measures but specifically regulations regarding what needs to be done when a person is tested positive.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) (OHSA) with it regulations and standard require the employer to provide and maintain a safe environment without health risks. The employer is required to limit and mitigate hazards and potential hazards.
In terms of the regulations related to Biological Agents, 2022 (HBA Regulations) covid-19 is seen as a hazardous biological agent, classed as Group 3. Employers is therefore legally required to limit exposure and mitigate risks of infection.
SYMPTOM REPORTING BY EMPLOYEES:
- All employees will report their vaccination status to the employer with out delay from the date of employment.
- All employees are expected to inform their HR and line manager immediately if they experience any Covid-19 related symptoms.
- All employees experiencing Covid related symptoms will be expected to test for Covid before reporting or entering the workplace.
- The above rule excludes employees who have vaccinated two or three days prior to the symptoms.
ISOLATION
Any employee that has tested positive with symptoms may it be must immediately report to HR and their line manager.
The employee should isolate for the period of 7 days from the date of the start of the symptoms.
There will be no need for further testing after de-isolation.
Any employee having asymptomatic COVID infection do not need to isolate but will be expected to:
- Wear a mask whenever interacting with people, for the next 5 days from the date of the test.
- Avoid social gatherings for 5 days.
- Avoid social indoor interaction for 5 days.
- Avoid interaction with people older than 60 and people with comorbidities for a period of 5 days.
Failure to follow this guideline will be looked at as a serious offence which may lead to dismissal.
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