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COVID-19 Update - UK

Published: 10 January 2022
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COVID-19

Dear all,

The Scottish Government announced changes to the self-isolation and testing rules last week, which are now in line with the UK Government update from December. See updates below:

When do I have to self-isolate?

Across the UK you must self-isolate if you:

  • Test positive for COVID or have COVID symptoms
  • Are waiting for the results of a PCR test after developing COVID symptoms

7 Day isolation:

  • If you receive two negative LFT results on day 6 and 7 of your isolation period (with tests taken 24 hours apart) you may stop isolating immediately.
  • If the first tests are positive, further tests can be taken on two later days with tests taken 24 hours apart.

Please note: For Scotland these rules can only be followed if you tested positive on or after the 6th January.

What are the rules for close contacts?

Fully vaccinated (had two doses of approved vaccine plus booster)*

  • If you are fully vaccinated and come into contact with a person with COVID (all variants), you should take daily LFT's for seven days, whatever your age and do not need to isolate. (This includes household close contacts)

*14 days must have elapsed since your final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine

Unvaccinated

  • If you are an adult who has not been fully vaccinated, and have either been in contact with or live with someone who tests positive (or who has COVID symptoms) you must self-isolate for 10 days.

Payment for self-isolation

Where you are required to self-isolate because you are symptomatic and awaiting a PCR test result, or have tested positive (on a PCR or LFT), you will be paid in full as normal for the first seven days of your isolation.

You will be required to provide evidence of positive lateral flow tests each day following the seven day period in order to continue to receive full pay. If you do not provide this evidence you will be paid SSP for subsequent days.

Where you are required to self-isolate because you are a close contact who is not fully vaccinated, you will be paid at SSP for the duration of your 10-day isolation period (evidence of inability to be vaccinated will be taken into account when making this assessment).

Please note: It is a legal requirement to self-isolate if you are identified as a contact and told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace. Self-isolating is crucial to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus. Failure to self-isolate for the full time-period can result in a fine, starting from £1,000. ASCO would also treat this as a potential disciplinary matter.

Testing

Showing symptoms

  • If you are showing COVID-19 symptoms, you should continue to follow previous rules in getting a PCR test immediately.

Asymptomatic

  • If you are currently asymptomatic and have tested positive on a LFT, there is no need for you to get a PCR test, you should follow the above isolation rules and contact your Manager.

*Showing no signs or symptoms of an illness or disease

Recording LFT results

If you have tested positive on a LFT and therefore cannot come to the workplace, you must report your result to the NHS and provide proof of this to HR.

To record the result on a LFT, you can:

Once this has been reported, you will receive an email or text message from the NHS advising on how to proceed in the isolation process, this should then be sent on to the HR team to take note of absence. Photos of LFT's will not be accepted.

Find out where to get LFT's in your area here.

Continued strict adherence to all hygiene and distancing measures in place, and the wearing of a face mask around any indoor ASCO facility whilst not seated, will help protect you from becoming a close-contact of a work colleague.

Outside of the workplace it is just as important to follow all hygiene measures in place and pay attention to local government guidance.

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