COVID-19 staff information

Information on COVID testing, taking leave and returning to work after a COVID-19 infection.

All other information can be found on the intranet.

Testing requirements

Please do not come to work if you are symptomatic. If you develop symptoms at work, get tested immediately and go home

Please continue to be vigilant to avoid spreading infections to our vulnerable patients and families.

  • If you have any COVID-like symptoms, no matter how mild, please stay home and get tested. Always register a positive COVID result and complete the online form. If it’s not COVID, stay home until acute symptoms have resolved for 24 hours.
  • If you test positive to COVID-19, as a healthcare worker, you cannot come to work for at least 5 days. The earliest day you can return to work is on day 6, if you have no symptoms and have a negative RAT. You do not need any surveillance RATs for 5 weeks after de-isolation. Do a RAT if you develop new symptoms.

COVID-19 positive staff

If you test positive to COVID-19, you must:

  • Advise your manager. Do not come to work for 5 days.
  • Day 0: Record the result on the SCHN staff COVID-19 testing and close contact form
  • Day 5: If you have had no symptoms for at least 24 hours, have a RAT.
  • Negative RAT = return to work on day 6.
  • Positive RAT = return to work on day 7 if asymptomatic for at least 24 hours prior.

On your return to work, adhere to the following until day 10:

  • Wear a mask at all times (P2/N95 if patient-facing), wash hands regularly and do not eat with colleagues.
  • You are not considered a close contact and do not need surveillance RATs for 5 weeks after de-isolation.
  • Do a RAT if you develop new symptoms.

Close contacts

  • Staff are permitted to continue working.
  • Notify your manager and complete the SCHN staff COVID-19 testing and close contact form.
  • Staff must adhere to the following until day 10.
  • Have a RAT on days 2 and 6 after exposure. You can continue to work while the results are pending.
  • Monitor closely for symptoms.
  • If symptoms develop, get tested, and stay at home until symptoms resolve for 24 hours and a negative result.
  • Wash hands and do not meet or eat with colleagues.
  • For 7 days: wear a P2/N95 mask at all times; P2/N95 if patient-facing; surgical mask elsewhere.

Working from home

Staff who wish to work from home should work with their managers to ensure they have an agreed Flexible Work Arrangement and certain criteria will need to be met.

IT systems and access

Staff who have approval to work from home can access the following sites on their own home or work device - without the need for forms or special access:

The Learning.kids website provides information on all WFH systems.

Staff are reminded that when working from home, you must use your @health.nsw.gov.au email address. Using personal email accounts is not permitted.