Problem returning to work after COVID

QuietMan99

Hi, hoping to gather some advice here

I recently tested positive on an antigen for COVID as i was displaying symptoms, I informed work, work in healthcare btw, who told me they wouldn't be paying me for my missed week but directed me to the illness benefit scheme. I contacted my doctor to inform them i was positive, I asked them did i need to go for a PCR they said there was no need. I have now completed my 7 days isolation and I am testing negative on antigens. Work has now informed me that I will not be allowed back to work until I do a PCR test despite 7 days isolation and testing negative now, is this correct?

Thanks for your help.

The Continental Op

My local PCR test center is a ghost town book now test in an half an hours time. I suspect most are the same so you might as well go for it.

QuietMan99

It's more the principal of being forced to do it when I have isolated, testing negative and told by my doctor there is no need to.

Jim2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119223559#Comment_119223559

Employer has a duty to ensure a safe workplace for you and your colleagues. You have been out with a contagious virus, they'd be stupid to allow you to return work on your say so. But John/Mary said they were fine.... is not much of defence if a work colleague or client took them to court.

QuietMan99

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119225572#Comment_119225572

But I informed them I was positive and made sure to isolate for the required time as instructed by the HSE. I'm now testing negative on antigen and the HSE says that's good enough.

Jim2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119227729#Comment_119227729

It does not really matter, your word won't fly in a court if the employer is taken to task. And I expect that their legal people have already advised them to CYA on these things.

Mrs OBumble

I'm thinking that the employer doesn't really understand PCR testing: the HSE won't retest you for some months after you've had COVID, because the test still comes back positive even though you're no longer infectious.

IMHO, head to your GP, and ask them for a certificate that you're fit to work, and to advise your employer.

MrMusician18

You will test positive with a pcr for months after you have had COVID

Employer is definitely wrong here.

wonski

Employer should follow Hse rules.

Not creating their own.

Mrs OBumble

Just reviewed this, and saw the employer is in healthcare.

They may be looking for an excuse to move you along. It sucks, is possibly illegal - but it happens.

Ohmeha

Below link from HSE website confirms healthcare workers can obtain a PCR test so if you have tested positive on an antigen you could book a PCR test if you needed a COVID-19 Recovery Cert, sounds like this might be what your employer was looking for

Did your employer advise you of this when you notified them of your positive antigen? Did you register your positive antigen on the HSE website because it does instruct that you have to take a PCR if you need a covid recovery cert.

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/testing/get-tested/

Jim_Hodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119223559#Comment_119223559

Sorry, but tough. Employers have duties and responsibilities. Get a test. It's not asking a lot.

Jim_Hodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119236330#Comment_119236330

Huge leap of fantasy there.

Mrs OBumble

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119236832#Comment_119236832

You're missing the point. If s/he gets a PCR test now, it will very likely show positive, and continue to do so for several months.

But based on the RAT the active infection was some time ago, and the most-probably infections period is now over.

I am very surprised if a healthcare employer doesn't understand that.

Jim_Hodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119237423#Comment_119237423

A PCR will not show positive for months. People got clear PCRs for travel soon after recovery. But the bit I was really replying to was the whole 'looking to move you along' conspiracy rubbish.

Employers in many areas look for a clear PCR. No big deal and no ulterior motives either.

Jim2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119237423#Comment_119237423

You are the one missing the point! The science is not relevant. The objective is for the employer to be able demonstrate that they unquestionably did everything possible to safeguard their environment for their employers and clients. Any decent barrister would tear strips out of the employer in court. All they have to do is point out the employer is not qualified to reach that conclusion and their carelessness led to Mr/Miss X contacting a serious virus blah blah

kennethsmyth

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119239499#Comment_119239499

Bull letter from GP stating fit to work is all that is needed - employer cannot go on its own tangent here.

celt262

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119239499#Comment_119239499

Bull. If they follow government guidance they can do no more. If that was the case every employer in the country would be asking for PCR tests before return to work.

Edit. And how could they prove who they caught it off?