In light of the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, global
and nationwide concerns have emerged as how to contain and restrict
this pandemic. Precautionary measures are being implemented with
the aim of preventing the transmission and spreading of this
virus.
Employers are currently being faced with a problem when
determining off-work periods taken by employees for any reasons
relating to the virus. Where an employee has contracted the
coronavirus, the usual sick leave entitlements, the Special Leave
Regulations and/or the collective agreements are applicable.
However, questions arise regarding employees who have travelled
to high-risk countries and have not been certified to have the
coronavirus. Employees working in the public sector returning from
China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Iran, South Korea and the
Northern part of Italy (regions of Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto and
Emilia-Romagna) have been advised to self-quarantine for fourteen
(14) days. In such
