Rank: New forum user 
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One of our employees recently tested positive for coronavirus. He self-isolated for 7 days (was actually off work for 9 days) but returned to work before his test results came back. They subsequently came back positive. Should we have waited for his test results before allowing him to return to work or was the 7 day rule enough? Secondly, if someone tests positive, should we then request a second test and await a negative result before allowing them back to work?
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 1 user thanked G.Wheeler for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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How I would apply the 7 day rule is that, firstly the person must be clear of symptoms for at least 7 days. I am assuming that is why he was off for 9 days in total. If he was tested I would wait seven days after the test. In theory the turnaround time for the PCR test is less than 24 hours but as we are aware the government is having some trouble with this, so a delay in actually receiving the results is to be expected. If they have no symptoms I’d allow them back after 7 days.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I don't know the answer to the testing question, but the rule isn't that you have to be free of symptoms for 7 days, it's that you isolate for 7 days from when your symptoms start and can then return unless you still have symptoms. Don't they provide any instructions with the positive test results?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Covid-19 has not withdrawn the privacy of peoples medical records.
You are lucky they have told you but there is no legal obligation (not going to debate any moral duty) upon them to disclose the results of any test unless it is a specific term in their contract which given how quickly this pandemic spread would be highly unlikely. If you want to keep them away from work pending a second test then you need to consider: 1) It could be a LONG time before they get a voluntary test if not directly employed in health/care 2) As you are insisting they do not come to work they should be on FULL pay & benefits 3) You will need their permission to have the results
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4 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Covid-19 has not withdrawn the privacy of peoples medical records.
You are lucky they have told you but there is no legal obligation (not going to debate any moral duty) upon them to disclose the results of any test unless it is a specific term in their contract which given how quickly this pandemic spread would be highly unlikely. If you want to keep them away from work pending a second test then you need to consider: 1) It could be a LONG time before they get a voluntary test if not directly employed in health/care 2) As you are insisting they do not come to work they should be on FULL pay & benefits 3) You will need their permission to have the results
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4 users thanked Roundtuit for this useful post.
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