Yahoo Finance Covid payments scrapped for millions of workers
Covid support payments have been scrapped for workers, with exemptions for those working in high-risk settings including health and aged care.
Mandatory Covid isolation requirements will also be scrapped, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Friday following a meeting of the national cabinet.
The changes will come into effect on 14 October.
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The prime minister said there was previously a responsibility for the government to provide support when isolation was mandatory.
"It was always envisaged that these measures were emergency measures that were put in place," Mr Albanese said.
He emphasised the need to move away from ‘Covid exceptionalism’.
“The flu has existed, and health issues have existed, for a long period of time, and the government hasn’t always stepped in to pay people’s wages while people have health concerns.”
Who can still access the payments?
Workers in high-risk settings will still be able to access the payments after 14 October.
That includes workers in aged care, disability care, Aboriginal health care and hospital care.
The new payment will be funded by both the federal government and the states and territories.
Those working in a high-risk workplace can receive $450 if you lose at least 8 hours or a full day’s pay, but less than 20 hours, or $750 if you lose 20 hours or more of work.
Claims can be made via a myGov account linked to Centrelink.
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