Letter to Employer about Suspected COVID-19/Coronavirus

This document is a simple letter that an employee can use to notify their employer that they have a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus, or COVID-19.

During the global pandemic, many employees are facing situations where they have either been exposed to someone with the virus or they may have even tested positive for the virus. The Australian Government's Department of Health as well as state and territory health departments are regularly updating their advice regarding what people should do if they have been exposed to COVID-19.

This letter notifies the employer that the employee may have been affected by coronavirus, and therefore requires time off from physically going into work.

How to use this document

This document should be filled out by the employee. Many employers are not requiring a medical certificate in COVID-19 matters, in order to relieve some pressure from medical providers, and to limit the risk of transmission at medical centres. However, the employee may need to check on the employer's policies in relation to this.

Obviously, COVID-19 is contagious, so if the person sending this letter has a suspected or confirmed case of it, they should do all that they can to avoid contact with any other person. Therefore, they should avoid having a face to face meeting with their employer. However, other means of communication, such as phone or email, might be appropriate.

When this document is complete, it should be signed, either electronically or with ink, and sent to the employer. The employee should keep a copy.

Applicable law

Each state and territory has legislation in relation to work health and safety. Further information is available from Safe Work Australia.

In addition, general principles of employment law will apply to the employment relationship. Employment contracts may be interpreted in accordance with general principles of contract law, as provided by the common law. In some cases, an employment award or enterprise agreement may apply. The National Employment Standards, as set out in the Fair Work Act 2009 (Commonwealth) may also apply.

If in doubt, seek legal advice.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.