CORONAVIRUS UPDATE – 6 MARCH 2020
CONFIRMED AUSTRALIAN CASES
As of 6th March, there are over 50 confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Australia. Of the total cases reported, approx. 20 of these cases are reported to have recovered, 2 people have sadly passed. The remaining cases are in a stable condition.
TRAVEL ADVICE
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued the following travel advice
- China and Iran – do not travel
- South Korea, Mongolia, Japan and Italy – exercise a high degree of caution
- Northern Italy – reconsider your need to travel
Members should follow this advice to minimise risk of being exposed to the virus.
SELF ISOLATION
Members who have recently travelled to China or Iran should isolate themselves to prevent exposure to their colleagues and the community. Specifically, if you have:
- Left or transited through mainland China in the past 14 days, you must isolate yourself for 14 days from the date you left
- Left or transited through Iran on or after 1 March, you must isolate yourself for 14 days from the date you left
- Been in close contact with a person confirmed to be infected with coronavirus, you must isolate yourself for 14 days from the last date of contact
EMPLOYMENT ENTITLEMENTS WHILST IN SELF ISOLATION
Members who fall within the above categories should notify their managers immediately and stay home – do not come to work. Your workplace will attempt to accommodate you performing duties from home, if you are able to do so. If your duties cannot be performed from home you will be paid.
STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK
Members who exhibit any cold or flu like symptoms should not come to work.
Avail of sick leave and seek medical treatment. As we approach the onset of the cold season, this is even more important. By doing so, you will alleviate any potential unnecessary panic caused within your workplace.
FREE FLU VACCINE
Your Branch has confirmed that employees at Australia Post will once again be offered a free flu vaccine this year. The communication process will commence at the end of this month and vaccinations will occur from early April.
While the flu vaccine will not prevent coronavirus infection, it is recommended that as many members as possible accept the vaccine to limit the number of people with symptoms similar to coronavirus – again, alleviating any potential unnecessary panic at work, but also to take the burden off our health system.
The earlier you receive the vaccine, the more effective it will be going in to the colder months.
Should you require any further information with any of the above, please contact us directly on 9600 9100
Leroy Lazaro Secretary CWU Victoria
