Retailers and industry welcome removal of mandatory COVID isolation requirements

After its meeting last Thursday (29 September), national cabinet said that from 14 October, the five-day mandatory isolation period for workers who test positive for COVID-19 will be scrapped and instead has urged people who may be unwell to stay home.

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said the removal of mandatory COVID isolation requirements marked a significant and welcome shift in the way we live with the virus.

“Mandatory Covid isolations have contributed to the severe labour shortages across the economy, and in particular for retail, which has over 46,000 job vacancies,” said ARA chief executive Paul Zahra.

“The National Cabinet decision will be a welcome relief for businesses who’ve been unable to trade at their full potential due to staff absences.

“We also acknowledge the decision to cease the pandemic leave disaster payments from October 14. While it’s been an important safety net for workers with no access to sick [leave], schemes like this can’t last forever, and it’s appropriate to have a wind-up date in line with the removal of mandatory isolations.”

Mr Zahra said the ultimate goal has always been for COVID to be treated just like any other virus.

“And that people should be responsible for their own health — if you’re sick, stay at home, but if you’re well, you should be free to go about your business,” he said.

Innes Willox, CEO of the national employer association Ai Group, said the scrapping of mandatory COVID isolation rules by national cabinet is a sound decision that gets the balance right between the health of the community and the desperate need for workers facing so many businesses.

“It is important that we focus on getting our economy running optimally as soon as possible and it is good to see our federal, state and territory leaders all on the same page on this,” he said.

“Businesses have worked hard throughout the pandemic to keep their workplaces safe and their employees healthy and that will continue. Workplace practices that minimise the spread of the virus together with personal responsibility is the right approach at this stage of the pandemic and for the future.”