Updated PHE guidance on NHS staff and student self-isolation and return to work
16 August 2021
Dear colleague
Updated PHE guidance on NHS staff and student self-isolation and return to work following COVID-19 contact
As of 16 August 2021 the government is changing the requirements to self-isolate following a positive COVID-19 contact. We’re writing to inform you of how this change will impact staff and students working in the NHS. This supersedes previous PHE guidance and applies to all staff including substantive clinical and non-clinical roles, staffbank, contractors and suppliers – and students working in all facilities, settings and organisations delivering NHS care.
Fully vaccinated staff and students who are identified as a contact of a positive COVID-19 case will no longer be expected to isolate and will be expected to return to work. We ask that the following safeguards are implemented for them to safely do so:
- a negative PCR test prior to returning to their NHS workplace. Staff/students should not attend work while awaiting the PCR test result
- the staff member/student has had two doses of an approved vaccine, and is at least two weeks (14 days) post double vaccination at the point of exposure
- provision of subsequent, daily negative LFD antigen tests for a minimum of 10 days before commencing a shift (with test results reported to Test and Trace via the web portal and to their duty manager or an identified senior staff member). Any contact who has a positive LFD test should self-isolate and arrange a PCR test
- the staff member/student is and remains asymptomatic
- continued use of IPC measures, in line with the current UK IPC guidance.If the above criteria cannot be met, or if the staff member/student has not had both doses of the vaccine, or they are living directly (same household) with a positive contact, they will continue to be asked to isolate in-line with government guidance. All staff and students must have an up to date individual risk assessment and be working in an appropriate setting for their risk status.
Local workplace risk assessments should take place to identify specific services that involve the care of immunocompromised patients. For these services, local senior clinical decision- makers should request that returning contact positive staff or students are redeployed to other areas of lower risk where appropriate. This is a further protective measure for patients at significantly higher risk.
To support colleagues and to protect our patients and services, NHS providers and primary care organisations are also asked to ensure that:
- 1:1 conversations continue with any member of staff or student who has not had both doses of the vaccine
- robust local monitoring processes are in place for regular staff and student testing with Board level assurance/organisational leadership and oversight
- staff are offered continuous learning regarding UK IPC guidance with access to refresher education events for all staff and students including those colleagues who may not have access to traditional information cascades.We continue to regularly review this alongside government and clinical advice to best protect patients and staff. PHE’s guidance can be accessed here. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Yours sincerely
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