Quarantine due to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus: What is the situation for workers in preventive quarantine?
There are many doubts that have arisen among workers and employers regarding possible quarantines related to the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, the government announced on Tuesday, the 10th, that workers infected with coronavirus will be on sick leave, just like workers in preventive isolation (quarantine).
This represents a change in criteria compared to the clarification provided by the Social Security last week, which, following the same criteria established during the H1N1 influenza (Swine Flu) outbreak, had indicated that quarantine due to possible coronavirus cases would be considered common sick leave.
However, both labor unions and employers criticized the initial decision. Labor unions demanded that quarantines not be considered common sick leave because it meant that workers would lose part of their salary. Let's remember that in the case of common sick leave, payment starts from the fourth day, unless the collective bargaining agreement to which the worker is subject improves this coverage. Additionally, in cases of common illness or non-work-related accidents, the payment of the subsidy between the 4th and 15th days of leave, inclusive, is the responsibility of the employer. Starting from the 16th day of leave, the responsibility for payment falls to the National Social Security Institute (INSS), Social Marine Institute (ISM), or the Mutual Society, as applicable.
Therefore, the change to now consider allows it a work-related illness not only increases protection for workers but also relieves costs for employers . This allows workers to receive benefits from the first day, at a higher percentage of their salary, and with the government bearing the costs. According to the Social Security, considering it a temporary disability due to work-related accidents or occupational illnesses "represents an improvement in benefits for individuals who are isolated or infected by the coronavirus since they will receive 75% of the regulatory base, with payment by the government, starting from the day following the work leave."
In the case of public employees affected by the coronavirus, they will receive 100% of their salary, as agreed by the Ministry of Territorial Policy and Civil Service.
As part of the same package of measures, a moratorium on Social Security contributions for three consecutive months has also been approved for companies and self-employed workers in certain geographical areas. This means that these contributions can be paid within one year from their due date, without any surcharges or interest, as reported by the Ministry of Inclusion and Social Security.
Meanwhile, associations of self-employed workers have also requested assistance for this group in the event they have to undergo a preventive quarantine period for the same reason.
Citizen information hotlines for coronavirus
We would like to remind you of the information hotlines that different autonomous communities have established regarding the coronavirus. Some refer to emergency and urgent care numbers, while others have opened special helplines:
- Andalusia 955 54 50 60.
- Aragon: 061.
- Canary Islands: 900 112 061.
- Cantabria: 112 and 061.
- Castilla-La Mancha: 900 122 112.
- Castilla y León: 900 222 000.
- Catalonia: 061.
- Community of Madrid: 900 102 112.
- Navarre: 112 (for possible cases) and 948 290 290 (for health advice).
- Valencian Community: 900 300 555.
- Extremadura: 112.
- Galicia: 061 (for possible cases) and 900 400 116 (for possible cases).
- Balearic Islands: 061.
- La Rioja: 112 and 941 298 333 (the latter for consultations).
- Region of Murcia: 900 121 212 and 112.
- Basque Country: 900 203 050.
- Principality of Asturias: 112.
Information guides
We provide the link to various official guides.
GUÍA PARA LA ACTUACIÓN EN EL ÁMBITO LABORAL EN RELACIÓN AL NUEVO CORONAVIRUS
