Covid-19 will not be recognized " automatically " as an occupational disease for everyone, but only for nursing staff, said Minister of Health Olivier Véran on Tuesday. The other categories of workers will have to submit to standard procedures.
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" Regarding caregivers (...) we have decided automatic recognition as an occupational disease, with compensation in case of temporary or permanent disability ," said Mr. Véran, questioned during questions to the government in the National Assembly .
This rule will apply to caregivers " whoever they are " and " whatever their place of practice, in the hospital, in nursing homes or in the city, " said the minister, adding that professionals " liberal " would also benefit from this mechanism.
Thanks to this device, " a caregiver will not have to demonstrate that he has been contaminated at his workplace: we will consider that he was ", underlined Mr. Véran. It is a " very clear political command, and one that will be honored, " he added.
According to the Minister, the other professionals will, on the other hand, be subject to " classic procedures ", which involve referral to a " medical committee " responsible for determining whether the contamination can indeed be considered an occupational disease.
The notion that comes into play is that of " accountability ", he detailed, stating that the demonstration had to be made that the disease was contracted " because of the profession I practice " and " close contacts ”made in this context.
“ If accountability can be demonstrated, then there is recognition that takes place under the same conditions as for caregivers. The only thing that will be different is automatic accountability , ”he insisted.
Several unions have demanded in recent weeks the recognition of Covid-19 as an occupational disease for all employees. The Academy of Medicine also said it was in favor of not only benefitting health personnel but also those working for " the essential functioning of the country ".
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Recognition of an occupational disease allows 100% coverage of medical expenses but also allows you to receive compensation in the event of temporary or permanent incapacity. In the event of death, the beneficiaries may also receive an annuity. These rights are financed by the so-called “ ATMP ” (occupational accident and occupational disease) branch of social security, financed by contributions from companies, the rate of which varies according to the loss experience.