WALGA

Isolation Requirements for COVID-19 Ends

Following the National Cabinet decision, WA will be ending isolation requirements for those with COVID-19 today, 14 October.

The Hon. Amber-Jade Sanderson, Minister for Health; Mental Health, announced that WA was taking a measured approach, with COVID-19 testing and isolation requirements to still remain in place at WA public hospitals, with staff and visitors required to stay away from hospitals for seven days if they test positive for COVID-19.

In all other circumstances, the State Government is strongly encouraging people to stay home if unwell. The State Government has updated its guidance on what to do if you have COVID-19 or are a close contact here.

The COVID Transition (Testing and Isolation) Revocation Directions remove the testing and isolation requirements.

The COVID Transition (Face Covering) Direction (No 10), only require the wearing of masks in hospitals and high-risk settings.

Local Government employers will need to consider how to manage employees in the workplace if they test positive for COVID-19. WALGA Employee Relations subscribers can access an ER Alert with further information here.

For more information please contact WALGA Employee Relations or call 1300 366 956.

The Fair Work Ombudsman and the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety are currently updating their COVID-19 guidance. We suggest checking their websites for updates.
WorkSafe WA and SafeWork Australia also provide guidance on managing COVID-19 risks in the workplace.

Emergency Management Amendment (Temporary COVID-19 Provisions) Bill 2022

The Bill has progressed through the Legislative Assembly and is due for consideration by the Legislative Council.

The new legislation is intended to provide mechanisms to manage COVID-19 outside of a State of Emergency, through the new COVID-19 declaration process.

WALGA is following the progress of this legislation, particularly the proposed consequential amendment to Part 10(1) of the Local Government Act 1995 to introduce the definition of COVID-19 declaration.