Premier Daniel Andrews said the government wants to make sure “Victorians don’t have to choose between the safety of their workmates and their community – and putting food on the table”.

The scheme already provided a one-off $1,500 payment to workers who were unable to work during their isolation and were not receiving income or entitlements to any paid sick leave, special pandemic leave or other income support.

The government will now extend the scheme to ensure that as soon as a person is tested, they will be eligible for a $300 support payment, so long as they meet the eligibility of the existing scheme.

It comes after Department of Health and Human Services data revealed that as many as nine out of 10 people who do test positive to COVID-19 were not self-isolating between the onset of symptoms and getting a test.

In addition, 53 per cent of positive test cases were not isolating between getting tested for COVID-19 and receiving their results.

“This will ensure workers don’t have to pay the price for following health advice while they are waiting for their results – meaning they can afford to isolate immediately and avoid spreading the virus further through workplaces.

The Premier reiterated that “to fight this virus, we need every Victorian who is sick to get tested and then stay home.”

“If you are waiting for a test, you must stay home until you are notified of your result,” he advised.