Social Security Organisation (Sosco) has clarified that the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is recognised as an occupational disease. Socso said the contraction of diseases such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and other forms of coronavirus in the line of duty was already addressed in the 5th Schedule of Employment Social Security Act 1969 as an occupational disease.
The coronavirus that causes Covid-19 is a strain of SARS, as indicated by its name of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Socso explained the classification to recognise Covid-19 as an occupational disease applies to both the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 and the Self Employment Social Security Act 2017.
Claims for compensation for employees who are infected with Covid-19 due to their direct exposure to the disease from their nature of work can be made to the organisation as this is deemed to be an occupational disease. Similarly, employees who are infected due to their exposure arising out of and in the course of their employment will also be covered under the Employment Injury Scheme.
In addition, patients who are infected from any other source and sustain permanent disablement, causing invalidity or death, may also be compensated through the Invalidity Pension Scheme of the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969.
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