COVID-19 Compensation

342 The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) ().10 April 2024). Can the Minister for Health advise:

1. Are SA Health staff entitled to paid leave if they have been directed not to attend work because they have tested positive to COVID-19?

2. If so, is there any restriction on the number of days that leave can be paid for being absent due to testing positive for COVID-19?

3. If not, when was paid special leave for COVID-19 terminated and how was that decision communicated to SA Health staff?

4. Is the SA Health directive that staff must not attend their workplace for seven days following a positive COVID-19 test still in place?

5. If not, when was that directed terminated and how was that decision communicated to staff?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Health and Wellbeing has advised:

1. Yes, excluding casuals.

2. In line with Commissioner's Determination 3.1 and SA Health (Health Care Act) Human Resources Manual, special leave with pay of up to 15 days may be granted to enable an employee to remain absent for reasons directly relating to COVID-19.

3. N/A.

4. No, however, staff who test positive should consider staying home and taking appropriate steps to protect others.

5. The Chief Public Health Officer advised chief executive officers of this change on 10 November 2023. The chief executive advised Department for Health and Wellbeing staff on 16 November 2023.