Type 1 - Connect

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  • 1.  Working and COVID

    Posted 01-09-2020 14:34
    Hello,

    I currently receiving JobSeeker and the new obligations state I must apply to 4 jobs. I am not working because I am genuinely concerned for my health and what will happen if I get COVID on the job. Centrelink can stop your payments if you don't apply/accept jobs. Do you think it's reasonable or possible to get an exemption from applying for jobs due to Type 1 Diabetes?

    Thanks in advance,

    Liam

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    Liam
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  • 2.  RE: Working and COVID

    Posted 02-09-2020 08:06
    Hi Liam,

    I feel that some jobs are safer than others in these times. If you were lucky enough to nab a job you could talk to your employer about extra provisions to lessen your risk. Workplaces have obligations regarding health and safety. 

    I am a secondary teacher and unfortunately schools are exempt from many of the safe guards that are in place outside of the school gates. So classrooms are full and in confined spaces for extended periods of time. I did work remotely for the peak time earlier this year - 8 weeks- and video linked to my classes for their timetabled lessons. The outcomes were surprisingly good! 

    If we were in Victoria that would be completely different but at present Queensland is doing well. 

    Regards 

    Michele 



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Working and COVID

    Posted 02-09-2020 08:39
    Hi Michelle, 

    Thank you for replying, I will take your advice and bring that up with potential employers. I think I probably just worked myself into a frenzy yesterday...

    Regards,

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    Liam
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  • 4.  RE: Working and COVID

    Posted 02-09-2020 10:03
    Hi Liam

    I see your concerns.  For a type 1 diabetes they won't give you an exemption,  but I think in this case of the corona they should do it.
    They go out from that you as a type 1 diabetes still be able to work. You are now in the high category risk of getting it. Can you GP or treating Endo not write a letter and you take it to Centrelink?
    It may be helping. The risk what you have to take is too big.
    Keep trying.  Good luck. 
    Take care
    Werna



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Working and COVID

    Posted 02-09-2020 21:54
    Hi Liam

    Stop worrying. Apparently less people are dying of anything this year, except from suicide. Seems Covid has all but cured a lot of things like death from influenza. CDC have stated that only 6% of Covid deaths are solely due to Covid. WHO has stated that if you are asymptomatic you are not contagious. Average death age of Covid in Aus is 82 years.Median life expectancy in Aus is 82.5 years but this year will be lower due to heaps of suicides. I think that means if you get Covid you have a greater life expectancy than if you don't get it....Unless you worry ...and suicide. Cheer up. All is good.

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    Cheers
    Cris
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  • 6.  RE: Working and COVID

    Posted 03-09-2020 10:40
    Thank you all for your input.

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    Liam
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  • 7.  RE: Working and COVID

    Posted 03-09-2020 15:12
    Hi Liam 
    I can understand your concerns but in Qld it appears to be pretty low risk, depending on where you live. If you live/work in a hot spot masks and social distancing should reduce your risk greatly. Having a job in these uncertain times is likely to outweigh the risks, given how low they are here. Look at all the retail staff who are still working and dealing with the public all day every day and few, if any, have caught Covid. I am probably quite a bit older than you and still go out to shop and socialise, all be it carefully. 
    I am sure if you tell any new employer your health circumstances and take precautions you will be safe, and have the benefits that come with a job.
    Good luck with getting permanent employment.
    best wishes

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    Rochelle
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  • 8.  RE: Working and COVID

    Posted 03-09-2020 15:41
    Liam, others have given you some great advice.  Usually the concern would be that employers might discriminate against diabetics. 

    Since I've retired, I do a lot of volunteering and the organisations have good Covid plans in place (Industry plans) with PPE, sign-in/out  etc as a requirement.  The places have never been cleaner.

    Go for it !

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    Jock
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Working and COVID

    Posted 03-09-2020 16:30
    P.S.  Qld approved "Industry plans":

    https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/approved-industry-covid-safe-plans

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    Jock
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    Original Message