"covers the absence" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to fill in for someone who is absent or to compensate for something that is missing. Example: "John's presentation covers the absence of Sarah, who is sick today."
I have a sad feeling that this is the military being used to cover the absence of a political plan.
While I am sure that other medical staff worked … hard to cover the absence of junior staff, this does not entirely allay my fears.
Sergio Busquets will step back into defence to cover the absence through suspension of Gerard Pique (Carles Puyol is still out through injury).
Having covered the absence of Warburton and Tipuric for Wales against Scotland in the 2012 Six Nations, Scarlet Aaron Shingler is the pre-Japan-tour favourite to wear the number seven jersey.
Preparations were dealt a blow when Chris Woakes suffered an ankle injury during a pre-season tour to Barbados, but Wright believes there is sufficient strength in depth to cover the absence.
The NHS covers the costs of absence from work due to illness from the 16th day of sick leave onwards.
The 19-year-old Miguel will be expected to continue to cover in the absence of the first-choice defenders.
Young Kidderminster striker Nathan Blissett, who made the switch in the opposite direction on a one-month loan deal, will help cover for the absence of Gash and fellow forward Sam Smith, currently recovering from a broken wrist.
Trusts are drafting consultants – senior doctors – into their emergency departments to cover for the absence of the medics in training who usually handle much of the caseload.
Mr. Bush hopes, in other words, that he can cover up the absence of any actual plan to pay for his proposals with sheer bravado.
