Change to COVID-19 isolation period for health workers

The QNMU has been advised by the Chief Health Officer that health care workers are required to not attend work for a minimum of five days after testing positive for COVID-19, as of 1 September 2023. Staff should only return to work when they are well. 

The previous requirement was for staff to not attend work for a minimum of seven days. 

This change in policy follows the Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) reviewing the COVID-19 Series of National Guidelines to provide updated guidelines on isolation periods and precautionary mitigation measures for COVID-19. 

The QNMU has always followed the most up-to-date health advice and accepted public health measures. We strongly advise members who test positive to COVID-19 not to return to work until fully recovered, and to use available sick leave where possible. Queensland Health nurses and midwives continue to have access to Paid Pandemic Leave, which was extended last year by the Director-General thanks to pressure from the QNMU.