Is Covid 19 test mandatory after completion of their long leaves? Can we demand it?

Hi Team, Can we demand employees to take Covid-19 test after completion of their long leaves !!!!
Is it legal as per acts??

It is not a legal requirement but you can ask employees in the current situation by way of abundant caution to have a Corona test but you need to keep in mind that employees will come back to you for reimbursement as the covid test costs Rs 2500 to 3000 in private labs. I am also old that Covid negative test is valid for only 24 hours which you may clarify with medical experts


V Aswath Hari

So far as an individual is concerned, taking Covid-19 test as well as getting vaccinated is a personal choice.

Regarding a place of employment, asking the employees rejoining after a long leave or joining afresh to take the test is a precautionary measure in the interest of all the employees. Therefore, my personal view is that such a request can neither be improper nor illegal. Of course, the cost of the test may be reimbursed by the employer. But, in the wake of contradictory news about the negative side effects after vaccination, I think the employer should not insist on vaccination.

Hi thanks for the suggestions but my management is not ready to reimbursement and most of the employees are from lower middle class there thinking to take test .

as well as my absentees rate is going to high.