❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns from small businesses regarding COVID-19 obligations and support post-border reopening. The answer provides links to existing resources and outlines isolation requirements and available financial assistance.
AnsweredQoN 475Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) I refer to Western Australia's border reopening on 5 February 2022 and concerns from the small business community that they have not been provided with adequate advice, as reported by WA Today on 14 December, and I ask, what advice or guidelines has the State Government issued to businesses regarding their obligations if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs at their business after 5 February 2022? (2) What advice or guidelines has the State Government issued to businesses regarding their obligations to confirm the vaccination status of patrons after 5 February 2022? (3) Will workers who test positive to COVID-19 after 5 February 2022 be able to continue to work, or will they be required to self-isolate, and for what length of time? (4) What support will the State Government provide businesses or individuals if they are unable to open or attend work due to a COVID-19 outbreak after 5 February 2022?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
15 February 2022
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Small Business
Response time
1 days
(1 – 2) The Department of Health website provides guidance to businesses and locations that have been identified as COVID-19 exposure sites. A wide-range of business tools, resources and guidance is published on the WA Government and Small Business Development Commission websites. This information will continue to be updated based on public health advice as WA’s Updated Transition Plan proceeds.
(3) Western Australians who test positive to COVID-19 self-isolate for a minimum of seven days. If no symptoms present after day seven, you can leave self-isolation with no testing required. If symptoms are still present at day seven, individuals must continue isolating until symptoms clear.
(4) Workers are able to access the WA Government’s $320 COVID-19 test isolation payment if they directed to isolate while waiting for a PCR test result, are unable to work from home and do not have access to paid leave or other income.
Individuals who cannot earn an income because they must self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone who has COVID-19 are able to access a pandemic leave disaster payment through Services Australia.
The State Government has provided nearly $10 billion in COVID-19 response measures to support frontline services, businesses, households and boost our economic recovery. The State Government will continue to provide targeted support and assistance as required.
(3) Western Australians who test positive to COVID-19 self-isolate for a minimum of seven days. If no symptoms present after day seven, you can leave self-isolation with no testing required. If symptoms are still present at day seven, individuals must continue isolating until symptoms clear.
(4) Workers are able to access the WA Government’s $320 COVID-19 test isolation payment if they directed to isolate while waiting for a PCR test result, are unable to work from home and do not have access to paid leave or other income.
Individuals who cannot earn an income because they must self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone who has COVID-19 are able to access a pandemic leave disaster payment through Services Australia.
The State Government has provided nearly $10 billion in COVID-19 response measures to support frontline services, businesses, households and boost our economic recovery. The State Government will continue to provide targeted support and assistance as required.
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