New collective bargaining agreement regulates absence of staff for coronavirus test

07-12-21

Starting at the beginning of November, the government has provided an online questionnaire to help determine whether a coronavirus test is advisable in the case of mild symptoms. Thanks to a new collective bargaining agreement, CBA No. 160, the absence of staff that undergo such a test is regulated by law.​

Coronavirus and employment contract

People with mild symptoms who should be tested for COVID-19 according to the Self-Assessment Testing Tool will receive a code for a free coronavirus test at a test centre or pharmacy. The legal status of staff who absent themselves for this reason was unclear until recently.
 


As of 19 November, a new employment contract (CBA No. 160) regulates legal absence. Staff have the right to be absent when they test themselves based on the advice of the Self-Assessment Testing Tool. The maximum duration for the absence is 36 hours. The tool provides a certificate, which serves as proof of the right to absence.

The certificate after the test

Is the coronavirus test positive? Then a doctor decides whether the employee will receive a quarantine certificate or an incapacity for work certificate. In the case of a quarantine certificate, an employee can telecommute when their job allows it. If that is not possible, an employee will receive temporary unemployment benefits. When they receive a negative coronavirus test, the employee can start work again (on site).


Do you have any questions? You can find an overview of useful preventative measures at our coronavirus site. For the most current state of affairs, please visit info-coronavirus.be.


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