Omicron Briefing: Community & Disability Workers

Missed the briefing? Catch up here on-demand or download our latest fact sheet here.

Acting Secretary Angus McFarland presents a briefing for ASU members working in the disability sector and answers your question about the COVID Omicron surge.

1. The current COVID surge – what we know
2. Risk management and prevention of COVID at work
3. What if you are exposed to the virus – positive, or a close contact
4. Supporting someone who is COVID positive
5. How we are by your side
6. Frequently asked questions

For disability workers:

For community workers:

We answer some frequently asked questions including:

1. I think I’ve been exposed to COVID at work – am I a close or casual contact? How long am I meant to isolate for?

2. I am a close contact and must isolate for 7 days, when can I return to the workplace?

3. I am COVID positive, when can I return to work?

4. I was exposed to COVID at work – can I apply for workers' compensation?

5. I am worried about getting COVID. I want to be able to work from home, what are my rights?

6. Can I be forced to work with someone who is COVID positive?

7. Can I be forced to return to work while I am covid positive or isolating?

Letters to Government

We have written to the NSW and Federal Government about the shocking findings from our Frontline NDIS Survey conducted in January 2022. You can read the results and the letters to Minister Reynolds and Premier Perrottet here. 

Useful Links:

Book a vaccine or booster

• Australian Government Vaccine Booking Service – to make a booking for a booster near you
  • https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/
    
    
• NSW Health Vaccine Clinics – note most of these do “walk-ins”, which means you do not need a booking, just show up!
  • https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated/nsw-health-vaccination-clinics

Government Payments

• Pandemic Leave Disaster Payments ($750 per week) 
  • https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/pandemic-leave-disaster-payment-new-south-wales

• NSW Test and Isolate Payments ($320)
  • https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-test-and-isolate-support-payment

NSW Health Advice

• COVID-19 Exposure Risk Determination in Aged Care and Disability Care Settings
  • Download a copy here
    
    
• What to do if you get Covid?
  • https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Factsheets/confirmed-cases.pdf
    
    
• What to do if you need to isolate?
  • https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Factsheets/self-isolation-covid-and-close.pdf

Take Action

• Sign the petition for paid isolation leave for all workers (including casuals)
  • https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/paid-isolation-leave-for-all-workers
    
    
• Sign the petition for Free Rapid Antigent Tests
  • https://www.asumembers.org.au/free_rats_now
    
    
• Join Your Union
  
  • www.asu.asn.au/asujoin
  • https://www.australianunions.org.au/join/

Get Advice and Support

We are by your side. Call the ASU on 0293104000 or email [email protected] for advice and support.