As we continue to support industry and business to remain COVID-safe, we want to ensure employers and their workers who test positive for COVID-19 have the key information and resources they need.
Rules for workers who test positive for COVID-19
If a worker tests positive for COVID-19, they will need to self-isolate immediately for 7 days from the day they were tested, and not leave home or let anyone come into their home unless they live there.
A negative PCR (nose and throat swab) or rapid antigen test is not needed to leave isolation and return to work.
If they have a sore throat, runny nose, cough or shortness of breath after 7 days, they must remain in isolation until 24 hours after their symptoms have resolved.
People should wear a mask when near or talking to others, and avoid visiting high risk settings (health care, aged care, disability care or correctional facilities) for a further 3 days.
How a business will find out that a worker tests positive for COVID-19
A business owner or employer might be notified that a worker who has attended the workplace has tested positive for COVID-19 by:
- the worker who has tested positive
- an employer of a worker who visits the workplace
- public health authorities.
If you run a business, you must notify SafeWork NSW if a worker has, or is likely to have, contracted COVID-19 at work and requires hospitalisation.
Business responsibilities to inform workers about a positive COVID-19 case
Employers should advise workers and contractors of the general situation, noting that the privacy and confidentiality of the person who tested positive for COVID-19 must always be maintained. Information provided should include:
- symptoms of COVID-19 that staff and contractors should monitor themselves for
- where to seek advice and help
- reminders to staff, contractors, visitors and customers to not enter the premises if they are unwell
- advice on physical distancing and personal hygiene measures
- what infection control measures the business operator has put in place, including cleaning
- any other specific advice provided by NSW Health.
Guidance is available for businesses with a worker who tests positive for COVID-19 on nsw.gov.au. You can also download a factsheet from NSW Health.
Thank you for your support to protect the community and help NSW stay open during this period.
