Coronavirus is a group of viruses which normally cause mild illness, with symptoms similar to a common cold. A new strain, COVID-19 was first identified in December 2019 in Hubei Province, China.

It is very different from, and more serious than, the usual seasonal influenza outbreaks that happen every year.

Symptoms can include a fever, fatigue, dry cough, difficulty breathing and will be accompanied by a fever. Symptoms take an average of 5 days to begin – this differs to flu viruses which tend to incubate very quickly. The virus is transmitted by breathing in droplets that go into the air during coughing and sneezing. The virus needs to be in living beings to survive however, it will survive on surfaces and appropriate cleaning and disinfectant should be applied.

Over 80% of people infected with COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms similar to the common cold and may not be aware that they have the virus – this is one of the reasons it spreads easily. A smaller group [15%] will experience more severe symptoms with a minority [5%] suffering from pneumonia.

The illness is more severe in older people [over 65 years] or people who suffer from chronic diseases such as heart and lung conditions. About 5% of infected people will have a “flu” like illness. It appears that children get very mild symptoms.

As this is a new virus the health information is continually being updated.

The main way the virus spreads is by contamination when someone carrying the virus coughs or sneezes. The air droplets are breathed in by another person or can be transferred to another person.

The virus enters your body via your eyes, nose and/or mouth, so it is important to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

Washing of hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or cleaning hands with alcohol-based solutions.

You must stay at least 1.4 metres or more away from people, to reduce the risk of infection through respiratory droplets.

For the latest health advice and information:

• • Call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
  • The phone number of each state or territory public health agency is available at www.health.gov.au/state-territory-contacts
  • If you have concerns about your health, speak to a doctor.

The most effective action employers can take to eliminate or minimise the risk of workers contracting COVID-19 is to identify potential carriers of the virus and financially support them to self-isolate with paid special leave.

Unions are calling for 2 weeks paid special leave to be granted to any worker impacted by COVID-19 that is required to isolate or is unable to work

Under WHS laws you have the right to refuse work or cease work if there is a reasonable concern that you would be exposed to a serious risk to your health and safety from an immediate or imminent hazard. A serious risk of exposure to a COVID-19 infection would meet this definition.

You should contact the Union for advice immediately if you think there is a serious risk of exposure to COVID-19 at your work.

Yes. You will be paid your ordinary wages while the direction applies.

If you are a casual worker, the Union can pursue special paid leave on your behalf during any directed self-isolation. Contact the Union to assist you in making the request.

The Union is urging employers to provide all workers with 2 weeks of special paid leave if they have contracted COVID-19.

If you are a permanent worker you are also entitled to a minimum of 10 days of paid personal leave under the NES and if paid personal leave is exhausted, you can use your annual leave and long service leave.

You can use your paid personal/carer’s leave for caring purposes as well as 2 days of paid compassionate leave.
Casual employees are entitled to unpaid personal/carer’s leave and 2 days of unpaid compassionate leave. Enterprise agreements, awards, employment contracts or workplace policies should be reviewed in case they have more generous conditions for casual workers.

You are protected from being harassed, discriminated against or having adverse action taken against you because of a disease or illness, or a belief that you may have a disease or illness.