Laws for taking time off work if you catch dangerous new ‘Kawasaki’ bug following stay at home warning
Here is the official government advice on taking sick leave from work, following a concerns about the ‘Kawasaki’ bug.
As we head into the colder months it's inevitable that a variety of coughs and sickness bugs begin to circulate throughout the population once again. Which means you can look forward to inevitably catching a cold or even the dreaded norovirus in the next few months. Fun.
However, health authorities are particularly concerned about a new, dominant strain of norovirus - which is being referred to as the 'Kawasaki’ bug.
What is the ‘Kawasaki’ variant of norovirus?
This particular norovirus strain is currently believed to be the cause of around 70 percent of infections in the UK, according to statistics shared by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
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Symptoms associated with norovirus typically include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea - however, UKHSA has also noted that high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs can also occur.
"We’re seeing more cases of a particular strain of norovirus this year, but at present there is no indication it leads to more severe illness," Amy Douglas, epidemiologist at UKHSA, said.
"To help reduce the spread of norovirus you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either.
"If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings."
What are the laws around sick leave in the UK?
Current guidelines for anyone infected with a norovirus bug (which includes the Kawasaki variant) are advised to stay at home for 48 hours after their symptoms have passed.
The Kawasaki variant is currently reported to last around two to three days - which means you could in theory need up to five days off from work, if you account for three days being unwell plus a further 48 hours after you stop showing symptoms.
So what does the UK Government say in regards to raking sick leave?
According to guidance on gov.uk, employees are entitled to take up to 'seven days' off work without needing to give their employer proof of sickness.
Meanwhile, anyone who falls ill 'just before or during their holiday' can also save their annual leave and use sick days as well.
Which is certainly some peace of mind for when you're feeling lousy.
Brenna Cooper