With the tentative return to the workplace continuing into the dog days of summer, many are asking what if someone at work gets covid?
What if someone shows symptoms while at work?
It could be that symptoms of coronavirus begin to show while at work.
If this is the case, it’s important to deal with it calmly. You should:
- tell your employer immediately and return home;
- wash your hands regularly, and avoid touching anything in the workplace where possible;
- where possible, use separate bathrooms to workmates; and
- unless absolutely necessary, avoid using public transport to get home.
Prevention is the best cure
With workplaces becoming more coronavirus secure, it’s not unusual to see hand sanitisers and good social distancing measures in place when on shift. However, as with any new virus or disease, there is no proven cure or vaccine at the time of writing.
The best cure at the moment is prevention. As many holiday-makers are finding after returning to the UK, they are being asked to self-isolate for up to two weeks in some cases. The message is clear – if you show any of the coronavirus symptoms or have tested positive, you should follow Government guidelines and should not go into the workplace.
Depending on the nature of the workplace, new face covering guidance may need to be followed.
As set out in the guidelines, you should not go to work if you:
- have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) or have tested positive.
- are told to self-isolate by a government test and trace service. This could be if you have been in contact with someone who’s tested positive
- need to self-isolate due to someone in the same household showing symptoms or testing positive; or
- have recently returned to the UK from holiday and need to self isolate.
Employees who fall ill with COVID-19 should be treated as they would with any other illness. That is they are entitled to their usual contractual or statutory sick pay. Do note that anyone who needs to self isolate for more than four days because of COVID-19 is entitled to statutory sick pay from day one of absence. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sick-pay-from-day-one-for-those-affected-by-coronavirus
Can I go to work if I have symptoms of COVID-19?
If you are showing symptoms or have been told to self-isolate, you really shouldn’t go into the workplace. But if you do show symptoms, from the employer’s perspective, this doesn’t mean everything needs to stop. It would be good practice for the employer to send you home immediately and follow Government guidance on keeping the workplace clean and safe.