a man wearing a suit and tie © Provided by Extra.ie

Workers are not automatically entitled to sick pay while they take time to ‘self-isolate’ for possible coronavirus, the government has said.

Even if a doctor tells them to as they are ‘a probable source’ of COVID-19, they will have to apply to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for income support if their workplace refuses to pay them.

Gallery: How the coronavirus is being handled globally (Photo Services)

A department spokesman said: ‘An employee who is advised or directed by a registered medical practitioner to self-isolate on the basis that they are a probable source of COVID-19 infection can, if their employer ceases to pay their wages, apply for income support from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

a person standing in front of a building: The government has said there will be no guaranteed pay for workers self-isolating during the coronavirus outbreak. Pic: Vincent Isore/IP3/Getty Images © Provided by Extra.ie The government has said there will be no guaranteed pay for workers self-isolating during the coronavirus outbreak. Pic: Vincent Isore/IP3/Getty Images

‘This income support will be paid in the form of Illness Benefit based on social insurance contributions or Supplementary Welfare Allowance based on a means test.

A person who self-isolates in accordance with the up-to-date guidelines from the HSE but does not have a medical certificate from a medical practitioner, may apply for an income support in the form of Supplementary Welfare Allowance.’

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(Credit: Reuters)

However, officials made clear that anyone diagnosed with the virus will be treated as any other employee on sick leave.

Simon Harris holding a sign posing for the camera: There is one confirmed case of the virus in the Republic of Ireland. Pic: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin © Provided by Extra.ie There is one confirmed case of the virus in the Republic of Ireland. Pic: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

The department spokesman added: ‘Where an employee is diagnosed as being ill with COVID-19, normal workplace arrangements in respect of sick absence should apply.

‘The employee should, subject to the latest advice from the HSE, be treated from a workplace perspective in the same manner as any member of staff who takes sick leave for any other reason.’

MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:

Google Dublin staff told to work from home (Dublin Live)

Pope tested for coronavirus after suffering cold-like symptoms (Mirror)

Is it safe to receive a package from China? (The Journal)

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