Dear all,
With many of you having returned to the workplace and others returning in the coming weeks, we wanted to take the time to provide updates on a number of questions that have come up since returning.
Guidelines
- We must continue to wear masks when not at our desks
- Stick to a 1 metre distance at all times
- Adhere to all guidelines around each site
Vaccination Status
ASCO have continued to follow government and Public Health guidance throughout the duration of the pandemic when assessing the risk and establishing COVID-19 control measures. Vaccination is consistently cited as the best thing we can all do to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19. We are now in a position where Governments are advising we can return to workplaces, and there are no requirements for us to mandate that all personnel are vaccinated before doing so. Vaccination remains a personal choice, however being vaccinated yourself provides you with the most effective protection from COVID-19.
Seating Arrangements
If you have concerns ahead of your return regarding where you are sitting, how close you are to others etc, please discuss these with your Manager in the first instance, this can then be discussed with the Hybrid-Working Group to review arrangements. The Scottish Government have also launched a Distance Awareness Scheme that allows those who are worried when mixing with others to show they require more distance by wearing a badge or a lanyard, these can be collected at local Asda stores and libraries. Read more on the scheme here.
Temperature Screening
The requirement to have your temperature taken upon entry to an ASCO site is no longer a mandatory requirement. All personnel should continue to monitor their symptoms and are asked not to attend work if you have a high temperature.
Fogging of Sites
We have made the decision that we will no longer carry out fogging if someone receives a positive COVID-19 result, however the work area and all surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected accordingly, adhering to safety precautions. Fogging was introduced early in the pandemic when there was uncertainty regarding the risk of cross-contamination, and prior to the availability of vaccination. There is no longer an added value from carrying out fogging following positive cases.
Lateral Flow Testing
In accordance with Government guidance, we strongly encourage you to take two Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) each week if you are coming into the workplace, whether that be office-based or operational, to reduce your chance of spreading COVID-19. Details on where to get LFT's is available here, and you must ensure you follow government guidance if you test positive.
Please note: We are also adding reference to all of the above in the COVID-19 induction which should be carried out ahead of your return to the workplace.
We will continue to monitor the situation as per the Government guidelines and will send any relevant updates should anything change.
If you have any queries or concerns on the above, your Manager can provide you with more information, otherwise please email zzRM-COVID-19@ascoworld.com
Stay Safe,
The Task Force