COVID-19 absences, flexibility and leave arrangements

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How can I prepare in case I need to isolate?

Always be prepared to work from home at short notice. If you have a laptop or other device, please take it home with you each day along with anything else you require to work remotely.

I've received a positive COVID-19 result (PCR or RAT). What am I required to do?

Register with ACT Health using this online form or with the state/territory health authority where you are located.
Notify the University through this online form.
Notify your supervisor so that you can discuss leave or flexible work options during your period of isolation. Further information on flexible work options are available here.

I've tested positive to COVID-19 and am feeling unwell. What type of leave should I take?

Personal leave.

If you require more than three days of personal leave you will need to upload one of the following pieces of evidence to HORUS:

Screenshot of the PCR result sent via text message. Please also include text listing the location, date and time the test was taken, even if this information is included in the screenshot.
A photo of your COVID positive rapid antigen test (RAT) and accompanying text listing the location, date and time the test was taken.
A screenshot of your declaration of positive COVID-19 test result form.

Submitting one of the above forms of evidence will be considered sufficient for personal leave due to COVID-19. You do not need to upload a medical certificate or statutory declaration.

More information on personal leave provisions are detailed in the ANU Enterprise Agreement 2017 - 2021, Section 36.

I've tested positive to COVID-19 but am feeling fine. Can I work from home during my isolation period?

Please speak with your supervisor about what flexible working arrangements can be put in place for you. Even if your role can't usually be performed from home, in some cases there may be some alternate work that you can complete from home for your period of isolation.

If you do not have appropriate equipment at home, it might be possible for a colleague to organise a contactless drop off.

Someone in my household/a close relative has received a positive COVID-19 result and I need to care for them. What type of leave should I take?

Carer's leave is available for staff to care for an immediate family member, or a member of the employee's household, who requires care or support because of an illness.

If you are required to take carer's leave while caring for a COVID-19 positive person, you will need to upload one of the following pieces of evidence to HORUS:

Screenshot of the individual's PCR result sent via text message. Please also include text listing the location, date and time the test was taken, even if this information is included in the screenshot.
A photo of the individual's positive rapid antigen test (RAT) and accompanying text listing the location, date and time the test was taken.
A screenshot of the individual's declaration of positive COVID-19 test result form.

Submitting one of the above forms of evidence will be considered sufficient for carer's leave due to COVID-19. You do not need to upload a carer's leave certificate.

I am required to isolate while waiting for my PCR test results. What should I do?

If you are feeling well and able to work from home please speak with your supervisor and do so.

If you are unwell or unable to work from home, please speak with your supervisor and submit personal leave.

I have finished my isolation period and received clearance from ACT Health. Can I return to work?

Yes.