INSIGHTS KATHY CATTON
Omicron in the workplace The workplace landscape and employer’s obligations as they relate to COVID-19, and specifically Omicron, are changing rapidly and are often confusing. Human Resources magazine managing editor, Kathy Catton, seeks to clarify current employer obligations and find answers to many practical questions. This article was correct at the time of writing. We appreciate the employment landscape is rapidly changing, and we encourage readers to always seek the latest advice from official government websites. It has been many months now, in fact, years, that HR professionals have had to deal with the coronavirus global pandemic. From health measures to mandates and working from home policies, HR has been at the forefront of these changes. Here, we take a closer look at what we can do with the onset of Omicron and provide simple answers to Members’ questions.
Do staff have to wear masks?
According to the Ministry of Health, critical workers should wear certified 10
HUMAN RESOURCES
AUTUMN 2022
well-fitting medical masks at all phases of the Omicron response. While businesses are not required to ensure people wear face coverings, they may take steps to encourage it. If people refuse to wear a face covering, organisations are not required to take any further action to make them. From 3 February, it became mandatory for all workers who are mandated to be vaccinated to wear a medical-grade mask when working in public-facing roles. Under the red traffic-light system, it is mandatory to wear a mask on domestic flights, public transport in taxis, inside retail businesses and public venues and health care services. Face masks can be temporarily removed to determine someone’s identity, to take medication or to eat or drink and to talk with someone who needs to see others’ mouths to communicate due to being deaf or hard of hearing. In such situations, businesses should still meet physical distancing requirements. It’s also vital to consider those for whom wearing a face mask is unsuitable. These people can get an exemption card but are not required to carry it or show it.
Where can we source certified medical masks? Medical supply stores such as St John New Zealand, USL Consumer and Amtech have a variety of surgical-grade respiratory masks, although be aware that some may have supply issues. Pharmacies also stock these masks, but they tend to sell out quickly because they’re only available in-store. Office suppliers or home improvement stores may also sell P2 masks.
How will I know if an employee tests positive?
Your employee should tell you directly. Alternatively, a public health official will contact you if the infected person says they have been at work during their infectious period. However, if an employee does not tell public health about being at work during their infectious period, or if they were not infectious while at work, public health will not contact the business.
What happens when an employee gets Omicron?
If an employee becomes a confirmed (or probable) COVID-19 case and has been at your workplace while infectious, standard processes will
