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Managing a positive COVID-19 case

As we now move to living with COVID-19 there is an increased risk of positive cases in the workplace. This 7 step procedure provides businesses with end to end guidance.

04/04/2022 · 3 minute read

Managing a positive COVID-19 case

As Australians navigate a post-lockdown environment, the full extent and lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt across all aspects of our society including businesses.. During the pandemic’s peak, organisations needed to adapt business operations, transition the workforce to a work-from-home environment and update technology to enable a more fluid workplace and reduce the risk of infection. 

Australia has now moved  to a “living with COVID-19” approach, with restrictions being eased across the various states and territories and businesses encouraging workers to return to the traditional workplace. With this, comes an increased risk of a positive COVID-19 case in the workplace as more people return.

If a worker  who has been in the workplace has tested positive, it is vital to have a step by step guide to follow so that the risk of ongoing transmission is reduced and there are fewer high-risk contacts within the workplace. This reduces potential impacts on the functioning of the business and will allow for businesses to continue to operate. 

Case Procedure Template

We have developed the Managing a Positive COVID-19 Case Procedure template  for businesses to implement in the event of a positive COVID-19 case in the workplace. This document lays out the process, steps to take, and where to find the necessary information to help you handle the case confidently and clearly. Understanding how to respond to a COVID-19 positive case gives you an advantage in effectively managing the situation, reducing further infection exposure to other workers and possible business closure. Whilst this document has focused on the procedures in Victoria and New South Wales, individual state procedures may differ, so relevant information has been provided for each state.

The Managing a Positive COVID-19 Case Procedure template outlines the seven  steps of responding to a positive COVID-19 case. It provides guidance and clarification around the roles and responsibilities of the business, employees, and the health authorities in the event of a positive case within the workplace.

Download Procedure Document

A seven step procedure

The seven steps in the procedure are:

  1. Notification of a positive COVID-19 case.
  2.  Involvement of health authorities.
  3. What to do if a worker who has been in the workplace tests positive.
  4. Cleaning guidance.
  5. The potential closure of business.
  6. Workers returning to work.
  7. Provision of information to workers and other persons.

These seven steps provide businesses with end to end guidance. They incorporate not only what to do during the situation, but also the follow-up procedures. Businesses must respond to the immediate positive case and understand that other processes such as cleaning are required to reduce potential transmission. The procedure also outlines where to find ongoing information relevant to the situation and highlights risk management measures to reduce the potential of further impacts of COVID-19 positive situations. 

The general advice for NSW and VIC is to direct the worker to return home and isolate, following all relevant health advice from the public health authority. It is then the responsibility of the business to ensure the safety of the workplace and workers by isolating exposure sites, conducting risk assessments to inform workers who may be contacts, advising workers of the situation, and providing information on what to look out for and where to find public health advice. For other state-specific information, please refer to the relevant links provided in the template.

Please note, this situation is highly dynamic and has the potential to change dramatically and frequently. These changes all can potentially impact how businesses should and can operate with COVID-19 risks. It is important to regularly check with your relevant state-based public health authorities for the most up to date COVID-19 management requirements and update this procedure regularly.

LCPA 22/147

Download Procedure Document