Finishing contract early virus concerns

QuestionSpark

I am nearing the end of my work contract. I'm not feeling well with what I think to be a cold and don't want to return to work at the risk of either catching the virus or heavens forbid spreading anything. Is there any way I could not return to the office?

Slydice

Based on the HSE guidelines, you might need to:

• Telephone your GP and start self-isolating now
• Telephone your manager before 10am on the first (work) day of self-quarantine or self-isolation.

Here is some more detailed info.

• There are links in it to get even more detailed info.
• Do keep informed! (stick to official sources, there are warnings of a lot of misinformation)
• Best of luck with your recovery!
• See what your GP says and fingers crossed for you!

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/symptoms-causes-treatment.html

If you develop symptoms you will need to self-isolate and Phone your GP. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. The GP will assess you over the phone. If they think you need to be tested for coronavirus, they will arrange a test.

Symptoms of coronavirus
It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of coronavirus to appear.
Look out for one, some or all of the main symptoms:

• a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry
• shortness of breath
• breathing difficulties
• fever (high temperature - 38 degrees Celsius or above) or chills

Other symptoms are fatigue, headaches, sore throat, aches and pains.

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/protect-yourself.html

Help slow the spread of coronavirus
To help slow the spread of coronavirus:

• anyone who has symptoms should self-isolate for 14 days

You will not be penalised. Forsa has advice up for this:
https://www.forsa.ie/covid-19-advice-to-forsa-members_2003/

Reporting for work: self-isolating
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) issued new advice, on Monday 16th March, on what employees should do if they have to go into self-quarantine or self-isolation as a result of the Covid-19 virus. You can read a summary HERE.

http://forsatradeunion.newsweaver.com/designtest/1368iyip5hh?a=1&p=56641619&t=30063856

New advice on self-isolating workers
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) has issued new advice on what employees should do if they have to go into self-quarantine or self-isolation as a result of the Covid-19 virus.

Staff must telephone their manager before 10am on the first day of self-quarantine or self-isolation to give an update on their situation.

They will have to say what medical advice they are acting on. This could be advice from a GP, the HSE, a hospital or another medical source, which must be specified.

PROTECTIONS FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS WHO SELF-ISOLATE OR CONTRACT COVID-19
Civil and public servants who contract the Covid-19 virus, or who are advised to self-isolate by a medical practitioner, will receive basic pay including fixed allowances from day one. Coronavirus-related sick leave will not be counted as part of the employee’s sick leave record, so long as they have medical or HSE confirmation of the need to self-isolate.

QuestionSpark

Thank you for that information, very helpful. Would I need to give a doctor's cert? I haven't consulted a doctor, going by HSE website only.

Slydice

No, the key is not to do anything in person. Only do stuff by Telephone.

Telephone your GP. Follow what they say.

If you have to self isolate, Telephone your Manager before 10am on Monday. Tell them over the telephone what your GP said.