Ref No: 250222 (4)
UEN: S97SS0046G
The tripartite partners are issuing this advisory to provide guidance to employers and employees regarding the work and leave arrangements during the period of self-isolation. Please take note of the following:
- Employees who test ART-positive but are mildly symptomatic (such as sore throat, cough, mild fever) or physically well do not need to visit the doctor to obtain an MC (except for those in high-risk groups, e.g. above 70 years old, immunocompromised).
- Employees should generally self-isolate for 72 hours, self-monitor and recover at home. If the employees’ symptoms worsen or do not improve, they should see a doctor.
- Employees who want their infection recorded with MOH may book an appointment at a Quick Test Centre (QTC) or a Combined Test Centre (CTC) for a supervised ART.
- Employees should only return to the workplace if they test negative after 72 hours or after 12pm on Day 7 if vaccinated (Day 14 if not fully vaccinated), whichever is earlier.
- Employers should treat any period of absence from work by ART-positive employees as paid sick leave without requiring an MC or a recovery memo.
Employees should immediately inform their employer when they test positive for COVID-19 and begin their self-isolation at home. They should not return to the workplace.
Employees who are physically well should be allowed to work from home if they are able to do so. If working from home is not possible, employers should treat the period of absence as paid sick leave (either paid outpatient sick leave or paid hospitalisation leave) without requiring a MC.
For employees who are unwell due to the infection, whether issued with a medical certificate or not, employers should similarly treat the period of absence as paid sick leave.
For more details, please view the tripartite advisory. For more health protocol information, please visit MOH’s website.
Please also help to encourage your employees to receive their vaccinations at the recommended schedule for optimal protection. To maintain fully vaccinated status, employees will need to take a booster dose no later than 270 days from the last dose in their primary vaccination series.
