The best-case scenario for a Covid infection in 2023 consists of symptoms such as a runny nose or a sore throat, although more severe cases can see patients bedridden for a week with flu-like symptoms and fever. Although coronavirus is still as infectious as ever, workplaces now apply the same rules as for any other illness.
For the majority of people, cold symptoms do not necessarily result in absences from work. But what should one do if they test positive for Covid using a rapid test? Health director Dr Jean-Claude Schmit advises staying away from other people to avoid spreading the virus.
“If you have a positive test result you should stay at home. That is clear to me. If you do go into the office, if you’re completely alone and have no contact with other people, of course there is no problem, you can go to work. But if you test positive and you work somewhere where you come into contact with people, it’s better to stay at home.”
Unfortunately, in terms of Luxembourg’s labour laws, the matter is less clear. There are no special rules for Covid infections, which means that if you are sick, you should inform your employer and stay at home for 1 to 2 days. A medical certificate from the GP is required for a third day off sick, regardless of whether the Covid test is positive or not.
Martine Mirkes, a lawyer from the Chamber of Employees, explains that everyone has to take responsibility - first and foremost, the employer.
“It is also up to employers to make their staff aware of what to do when they are sick and which rules they should follow. They need to raise awareness. This can include telling staff to get tested as soon as they show symptoms and to avoid the workplace in the event of a positive test result.”
Employees should also take care around other people.
“The Labour Code says every employee must behave within their means and knowledge, and should also consider safety within the workplace. They should not put colleagues at risk through their behaviour.”
In the event of doubt, patients are advised to visit their GP for a sicknote.
