Important Advice For All NTPS Employees in Relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COMMISSIONER’S ADVICE
9 March 2020 – 5.00 pm
This advice is based on the current situation and the most up-to-date information available
The employment arrangements guidance relates to an ongoing issue and will be reviewed and redistributed if there are further developments.
COVID-19 – Leave provisions for employees who are required to self-isolate
First and foremost all employees are urged to follow health advice in relation to this issue.
NTPS staff who have travelled from mainland China, Iran, Republic of Korea or Italy, or have been in close contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus, should not attend work and should self-isolate for 14 days in accordance with the current advice from the Australian Department of Health:
- If you have left, or transited through mainland China or Iran in the last 14 days, you must isolate yourself for 14 days from the date of leaving mainland China/Iran.
- If you have left, or transited through the Republic of Korea on or after 5 March 2020 you must isolate yourself for 14 days after the date of leaving the Republic of Korea.
- Travellers from Italy must present for health screening upon arrival in Australia, as directed at the border.
- If you have been in close contact with a proven case of coronavirus, you must isolate yourself for 14 days from the date of last contact with the confirmed case.
Others that live with you are not required to be isolated unless they meet one of the isolation criteria outlined above. If you develop symptoms and are suspected to have coronavirus, they will be classified as close contacts and will need to be isolated.
Please see the latest national guidance for home isolation which is attached to this message.
The Northern Territory Department of Health advised that recommendations for testing should come from either your treating doctor, the regional public health unit (1800 008 002) or Pandemic Clinics which will be staged around the Territory. If testing is recommended, you should ensure this is done promptly via either your regular primary care provider, remote clinic or a Pandemic Clinic.
In circumstances where an employee is required to self-isolate in accordance with the above:
- Employees may work from home if this is a viable option. The agency will work with affected employees in relation to these arrangements.
- Employees who are unable to work from home, will be provided with special leave for purposes of self isolating. Special leave provided will count as service for all purposes. Employees will not have to use recreation or long-service leave in these circumstances.
- These arrangements apply equally to rostered casual employees.
- Employees will need to provide appropriate documentary evidence (eg medical advice/ travel documents).
If an employee is sick, and the self-isolation criteria listed above are NOT applicable, normal personal leave arrangements apply.
We are reviewing appropriate work and leave arrangements should schools or child care centres have to close and will issue further advice on these matters if required.
Employees who are concerned about attending work for reasons other than those above, should contact their manager or Human Resources to discuss their situation.
Enquiries related to this advice can be directed to covid19.enquiries@nt.gov.au .
This advice is as at 9 March 2020 based on the most up-to-date information available based on the current situation. The employment arrangements guidance relates to an ongoing issue and will be reviewed and redistributed if there are further developments.
Kind regards
Vicki Telfer PSM
Commissioner for Public Employment
Northern Territory Government