Dear all,
Following on from UK Government guidance, the rules for self-isolation of close contacts rules have changed.
As of today, 16th August, if you have been identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 you are no longer required to isolate as long as you are double vaccinated - with at least two weeks having passed since the second dose - and take a PCR test that comes back negative.
If you have been traced as a close contact and can demonstrate the above, you will be able to return to your workplace with no self-isolation required.
If you are not currently double vaccinated, it is extremely important that when people are identified as close contacts, they remain in self-isolation for the full length of time they are requested to. A ‘close contact’ is someone who has been physically close enough to the confirmed case for a long enough period of time, that they may have had the virus transmitted to them.
If you are currently self-isolating as a 'close contact' of someone who is confirmed positive for COVID-19 but do not have any symptoms, other members of your household only have to self-isolate if they too are 'close contacts'.
However, we must continue to be vigilant and ensure we to adhere to all rules currently in place:
- Facemasks remain mandatory - staff are to wear masks at all times in the building, unless seated.
- Self-awareness of social distancing is expected, paying close attention to zones such as stairwells, lifts or kitchen where distancing will be restricted. Any capacity limits or restrictions will be clearly identified on displayed signage so please ensure to observe these at all times.
- Wash your hands frequently with hot soapy water and make use of the sanitizing stations available across site.
- When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or a tissue
- If you have any symptoms, ensure you get tested immediately.
- Do not attend any sites if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms.
- Although not mandatory, the NHS recommend people take two lateral flow tests per week freely available from the NHS (details to order online here), and follow government guidance if you test positive.
If you have any queries or concerns, please email zzRM-COVID-19@ascoworld.com
Stay Safe,
The Task Force