The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association is providing support and advice to any members seeking information regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Members are encouraged to login to Member Central via the main website online.nswnma.asn.au and access Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 related issues. If your issues can’t be found in Member Central, please contact us here.

Ensure you’re covered at work by joining the NSWNMA.

If members are concerned their employer is not following COVID-19 guidelines, the NSWNMA can provide assistance to ensure appropriate measures are in place.

Information for nurses and midwives is available below.

Workers Compensation

Workers compensation covers COVID-19 exposure for workers in prescribed employment.

This means all nurses and midwives in NSW do not have to prove the source of a COVID-19 infection when making a workers’ compensation claim.

These changes also cover casual workers, if any shifts are worked in the weeks prior to falling ill.

Liability for confirmed COVID-19 claims will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and the insurer will need to establish facts and evidence for each claim. For more information, click here.

If you test positive to COVID-19, you should notify your employer immediately.

Your employer will then notify the insurer within 48 hours of receiving your notification.

Workers in prescribed employment (including the healthcare sector) are automatically presumed to have contracted COVID-19 at work, unless the contrary is established.

The insurer must start provisional weekly payments of compensation within 7 days of notification, unless they have a reasonable excuse.

If you have not been notified of the insurer’s decision within 7 days, you can contact the Independent Review Office (IRO) for help on 13 94 76, through their online complaints form or by email at complaints@iro.nsw.gov.au.

Financial Support

Test and isolate support payment

3.1 An applicant may be eligible for a payment if they:

(a)       are 17 years and over; and

(b)       have had a COVID-19 test on or after 13 August 2021 and must isolate at their place of residence to wait for the test results, or are the carer and/or guardian of someone who has been required to undergo a COVID-19 test on or after 13 August 2021 and who must isolate to wait for the test results; and

(c)       currently reside in NSW in Greater Sydney and in an affected LGA; and

(d)       are likely to have undertaken paid work during the relevant period of isolation and are unable to work as a result of:
(i) compliance with the requirement to isolate and stay in isolation following the COVID-19 test; or
(ii) having to care for someone who is required to isolate following a COVID-19 test; and

(e)       cannot reasonably work from home as a result of the requirement to isolate following the COVID-19 test or to care for someone who must isolate following the COVID-19 test; and

(f)        will not be receiving or have not received any income, earnings, or salary maintenance from work as a result of not being able to work during the period of isolation; and

(g)       have exhausted any sick and/or carer’s leave entitlements including any special pandemic leave or have no entitlement to such leave; and

(h)       are not receiving income support from the Australian Government (including the Commonwealth COVID-19 Disaster Payment or the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment) or financial support from the NSW Government (such as Micro-business Grant or JobSaver) for the same period.

3.2      An applicant may only receive one payment of $320 within any 30-day period, beginning on the date on which the person’s COVID-19 test was taken. The applicant must apply for the payment within 7 days of the COVID-19 test being taken.

3.3      An application for the payment under the Scheme must be made by an individual who is seeking payment. An applicant may submit an application via their MyServiceNSW Account.

More details on how to apply is available here.

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

$1,500 for each 14-day period of self-isolation, quarantine or care.

Eligibility

For workers who:

• Cannot earn income due to a requirement to self-isolate or quarantine because you have COVID-19 or have been a close contact of someone who does (having been directed by a health official) or are caring for a child who has COVID-19 or is a close contact of someone who does (note: in these circumstances a 14 day quarantine/self-isolation period would be required).

• Are aged above 17 years old;

• Live in a state or territory (NT currently not listed).

• Are Australian residents or hold an eligible working visa;

• Have no entitlement to relevant paid leave or have exhausted their entitlement.

Eligibility periods differ between states and territories (i.e. in Victoria, the period of quarantine must be after July 5 2020, in NSW after 17 September 2020).

Workers cannot receive payment if, during the quarantine/self-isolation period, they have received any income, income support, or payments such as the: (no longer available) JobKeeper, the (no longer available) Victorian Coronavirus (COVID-19) Worker Support Payment or the Queensland Hardship Payment.

How to Apply

Via telephone (by calling 180 22 66). Or by completing a form

COVID-19 Disaster Payment

$325 if the worker loses less than 20 hours of work. $500 if the worker loses 20 or more hours of work. This amount is taxable.

Eligibility

For workers who:

• Live or work in a Commonwealth declared COVID-19 hotspot.

• Cannot attend work and lost income on or after day 8 of COVID-19 restrictions;

• Have no entitlement to relevant paid leave or have exhausted their entitlement.

• are an Australian resident or hold an eligible working visa;

• are aged 17 years or older; and

• have liquid assets of less than $10,000

Workers cannot receive payment if they are receiving any income support payment or the Pandemic Leave disaster Payment for the same period.

How to Apply

Via a MyGov Account linked to Centrelink. Visa holders can claim by telephone.

The NSWNMA will continue to provide further updates for members as we receive them. Make sure you login to NSWNMA Member Central to see our members only FAQs here: online.nswnma.asn.au.