The coronavirus scare presents business owners and their employees with a new reality. According to Ministry of Health guidelines, those who have returned from certain countries in the Far East are required to be in home isolation for two weeks. The implication is that an employee who has returned from a business trip or vacation from these countries is required to take mandatory sick leave. At whose expense is it? Is an employer allowed to force an employee to return to work? We tried to answer all the questions that arise.
What do the guidelines say?
The Ministry of Health directs those who were in countries China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Macau During the last 14 days, Even for a short stay, To be in home isolation until 14 days have passed since the date of return.
Refrain from going out into public spaces and from staying in public places, including educational institutions, workplaces, public transportation, entertainment and shopping venues, hospitals, and clinics, for a period of 14 days from the last date of stay in these countries (considered the incubation period).
The validity of the decision on home isolation for those returning from Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Macau applies to those landing in Israel from February 16, 2020, onwards.
The isolation does not apply to those who were in locations as part of a connecting flight.
What does someone who is sick do?
In case of fever, cough, or shortness of breath,You should contact your primary care physician at the health fund or the emergency room and notify the clinic or emergency room by phone in advance about the arrival of a patient who has been in one of the risk countries. Even in another medical condition requiring treatment, you must notify the treating party by phone in advance about the arrival of a patient who has been in risk countries. In any case, cover your mouth and nose with a surgical mask or other available cloth, and avoid traveling on public transportation.
This directive is issued due to the spread of the disease caused by the coronavirus in China and other countries, and in order to prevent its spread in Israel as much as possible.
The isolation period is considered an absence due to illness
Absence from work during the incubation period will be considered as absence due to illness as arranged inOrder of the Ministry of Health, subject to presentation of confirmation of departure date from China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Macau. Do not contact family doctors for sick notes for your absence.
On the 15th day after the last stay in risk countries, and provided no symptoms develop, you may return to work and normal activities.
Self-report of home isolation
Challah An employee in isolation must notify their employer, as soon as possible, that they must remain in isolation and for how long.
Pursuant to the Public Health Ordinance (Novel Coronavirus 2019) (Home Quarantine) (Temporary Order) 5780-2020, anyone who returned from China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Macau within 14 days prior to their arrival in Israel or who was in close contact with a patient of the disease, is required to remain in home quarantine until the end of 14 days from their departure from these countries or from the last contact with the patient and to report on it.
The report will be made using Self-Reporting Form for Home Isolation or Via the Health-Voice Call Center at *5400.
Can an employer require an employee to return to work before the end of their quarantine period?
No. This is an order from the Ministry of Health. An employer of an employee in isolation is prohibited from requiring them to come to the workplace and is obligated not to allow the employee to enter the workplace during the isolation period, even if the employee requested it.
Also, an employer is prohibited from dismissing an employee who is in isolation solely due to their absence from work during the isolation period.
With wishes for complete health!