Summary

• 89,000 Confirmed cases globally – 33 in Australia
• 3,000 deaths
• 30,000 recovered
• Travel and isolation restrictions in place for China and Iran (subject to change)
• Significant economic impact in Australia and elsewhere
• There is a clear WHS risk and consequential duty on employers to manage this risk
• Workers should be granted ‘special leave’ in relation to COVID-19 given the significant public health risk and likely duration of the illness and requirement to self-isolate
• Casual workers most at risk of experiencing hardship in the event of an outbreak in Australia due to lack of available paid leave.
• Some casuals (such as in higher education and aviation) are already experiencing financial hardship
• Federal Government should take the necessary steps to ensure all workers, in particular insecure workers, are being provided the necessary financial support in the event of an outbreak. 

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