Period of Self-Isolation Following Covid Exposure
12 January 2022
As you may have heard the Health Secretary has announced that the required period for self-isolation following a Covid exposure in England was now seven rather than 10 days (subject to negative lateral flow results on days six and seven).
UKHSA has confirmed this guidance also applies to healthcare workers, although when going back into a work setting, healthcare workers are asked to continue testing on days 8, 9 and 10 (see section 2.2 of updated UKHSA guidance issued today).
There is no change to the guidance for unvaccinated contacts of positive COVID-19 cases, who are still required to self-isolate for 10 full days after their date of exposure to the virus.
Analysis by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggests that a 7-day isolation period alongside 2 negative lateral flow test results has nearly the same protective effect as a 10-day isolation period without LFD testing for people with COVID-19.
The new approach reflects latest evidence on how long cases transmit the virus for and supports essential public services and supply chains over the winter, while still limiting the spread of the virus.
Studies also demonstrate that LFD tests are just as sensitive at detecting the Omicron variant, as they are for Delta.
Existing public health measures remain in place including:
- Staying at home if you feel unwell
- Get a test if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms
- Wear a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces
- Work from home if possible
- Maintain social distancing and regular hand washing
- Take up the offer of the free COVID-19 vaccine
Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, said:
“COVID-19 is spreading quickly among the population and the pace at which Omicron is transmitting may pose a risk to running our critical public services during winter. This new guidance will help break chains of transmission and minimise the impact on lives and livelihoods. It is crucial that people carry out their LFD tests as the new guidance states and continue to follow public health advice.
“As always, we urge everyone who is eligible to get their booster jab without delay, wear a mask in crowded spaces, on public transport and in shops, wash your hands regularly and ventilate rooms well. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms stay at home and get a PCR test as soon as possible.”
Berkshire LOC Latest News
PCSE Service Update
PCSE service update Dear Colleague, We wanted to provide you with an update in PCSE’s services following this weekends IT upgrade. Outbound emails Currently we are unable to process any outbound email, password resets, verification links and case updates due to a technical issue. We are working with our third party providers as a matter of urgency …
Continue reading “PCSE Service Update”
10 March 2025
Berkshire LOC Education Event: 2nd of April 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Join us on Wednesday, 2nd of April, at Reading Rugby Club for this unmissable event! Hear about the optical developments in Berkshire from LOC Chair, Sean Caskey, and then earn 6 CPD points from the following sessions: Session 1: Sore Eyes – What Shall I Do? CPD type: Provider-led Peer Review CPD Points: 3 Interactive …
Continue reading “Berkshire LOC Education Event: 2nd of April 5:30pm – 9:00pm”
2 March 2025
HES Voucher Claims
From 1st April 2025, practices will have 6 months from the date the glasses are supplied by the optical practice to make a claim for HES voucher payment, please see the update below from the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust:
21 February 2025
New language/interpretation service provider details
FAO all primary care staff: New language/interpretation service provider details From the 1st of April 2025 Dals will provide a new, unified interpretation service across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West to all: GP practices; Dental practices; Pharmacies; and Optometrists. All previous interpretation services operating across BOB will cease on the 31st of March …
Continue reading “New language/interpretation service provider details”
18 February 2025
PSPA Neuro-Orthoptics in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – 25th of March
Welcome to the 2025 PSPA Neuro-Orthoptics in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) event! The UK charity, PSPA, is hosting a free online masterclass on 25 March 2025 to help ophthalmic professionals understand Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and how it affects the eyes. PSP is a rare neurological condition that significantly affects various ophthalmic functions. Despite eye …
Continue reading “PSPA Neuro-Orthoptics in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) – 25th of March”
13 February 2025
Frimley Foundation Trust Post-Cataract Service: Important Reminders
Thank you to all practices and practitioners who continue to provide this service, ensuring that patients can benefit from post-operative care close to home. Could we please remind all practices, clinicians and staff involved in booking patients of the following important points: Please do not transfer a post-cataract patient episode to …
Continue reading “Frimley Foundation Trust Post-Cataract Service: Important Reminders”
5 February 2025
Join Chris Tarrant for an unforgettable quiz night, supporting Berkshire Vision
Get ready for an evening of fun, laughter, and life-changing impact! We’re thrilled to invite you to our Charity Quiz Night, hosted by the legendary Chris Tarrant, on Thursday, 3rd April, at 7:30 PM at BrewDog Reading. This is more than just a quiz – it’s a chance to come together and enjoy a fantastic …
Continue reading “Join Chris Tarrant for an unforgettable quiz night, supporting Berkshire Vision”
17 January 2025
Newmedica – Peer Review CPD Event
Newmedica are offering a 3-point peer review CPD event at their new facility in Slough on Thursday the 13th of February. Please book via the link in their flyer below.
10 January 2025
PES Enhanced Cataract CPD Event: 18th December 2024
Join us for an insightful, free event tailored for practitioners involved in enhanced eyecare services using OPERA, with a spotlight on the pre-op cataract/enhanced cataract referral service in England. 📅 When: Wednesday 18th December, 7pm – 8pm. 📍Where: Online, via Zoom. 🎓Earn: 1 Interactive CPD Point (Lecture) for OOs and DOs This session …
Continue reading “PES Enhanced Cataract CPD Event: 18th December 2024”
11 December 2024
PCSE System Downtime 28-29 November
Dear Colleague, We’re letting you know about scheduled maintenance taking place this week. Due to scheduled maintenance, PCSE Online will be unavailable from 6pm on Thursday 28 November to 6am on Friday 29 November. We will then be carrying out assurance testing until 8.30am. Please note, the contact us forms on the PCSE …
Continue reading “PCSE System Downtime 28-29 November”
27 November 2024