Updated guidelines on Covid-19 testing and returning to work have been published.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has issued updated guidelines on re-testing and returning to work.
Suspected cases and mild symptoms
The NICD indicated that suspected Covid-19 cases who are or have mild disease, should be isolated from the workplace and managed at home while awaiting test results.
Quarantining after contact with a Covid-19-infected person
The NICD outlined that “People who have been self-quarantining, because they had contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 and have completed their 10-day quarantine period without developing symptoms, can return to work on day 11.”
Symptoms after isolation period ends
The NICD said it is common for patients to continue to have symptoms for longer than 10 days and full recovery may take several weeks, saying that patients who are still symptomatic at the end of their isolation period can be de-isolated provided that their fever has resolved without the use of antipyretics and their symptoms have improved. “If symptoms are persisting, the worker should seek medical assessment from their practitioner.”
Tested, but delayed results
If a staff member is tested and hasn’t received their results after two weeks, the guidelines stipulate that, “These workers should communicate with their manager and not be at work until they have results. Constant communication with their employer is essential during this time so that the workplace can take steps to manage and clean as appropriate.”
No tests before returning
The institute said there is no requirement for contacts to be tested prior to returning to the work. However, it is recommended they continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene as a precaution and wear a surgical mask.
Currently, re-testing people who have experienced mild illness, and have recovered from Covid-19 is not recommended.
“A person is considered safe to return to the workplace and discontinue self-isolation if they are no longer infectious,” NICD said. “This means they developed their first symptoms more than 10 days prior and have not experienced any symptoms for at least three days or 72 hours. However, returning to work is dependent on the patient’s clinical state of health.”
Return to work
The rules stipulate that if a worker has been diagnosed with Covid-19 and isolated in accordance with the guidelines, an employer may only allow them to return to work if they have completed the mandatory 10 days of self-isolation. In addition, the employee may require medical evaluation confirming fitness to work.
Once the worker returns
Upon resuming work employees are mandated to wear a surgical mask for 21 days from the positive test result while at work. They are also required to practice social distancing as well as good respiratory and hand hygiene.
