COVID-19 Update 3

As I said in my earlier emails, the current situation with COVID-19 is fast moving and we are adopting guidance as it comes through from the government. I am writing today to give you the latest information following the decisions made by the government yesterday. This email will update you with guidance on:

• Isolation Procedures
• Team Based Assessment Exercise
• Meetings, Events and Gatherings

Latest Government Guidance on Isolation

We fully support the implementation of the government's latest guidance on self isolation and we support staff in putting this advice into practice. The below summarises the guidance, which we are now asking line managers and our staff at the Trust to implement.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild infection.

Key messages from the government

• if you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from when your symptoms started.
• this action will help protect others in your community whilst you are infectious.
• plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home.
• ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home.
• stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home whenever possible.
• sleep alone, if that is possible.
• wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water.
• stay away from vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions as much as possible.
• you do not need to call NHS111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

The manager's guidance that we have previously issued and is available on the intranet is still valid and should be followed in relation to reporting and recording of absences.

Team Based Assessment Exercise

There has been speculation about the future actions that the government may take in relation to social distancing measures, including the closure of schools and colleges.

We have no further guidance at this time as to whether this will happen or when the government may take such steps.

However, in preparation for this possible eventuality, we will be undertaking an assessment via line managers and team leaders of all services over the coming week of the caring responsibilities of staff, the ability to work flexibly and alternative solutions that staff may be able to offer to ensure that services can keep running for our service users. 

This assessment exercise will be undertaken through the Directorate structures and we would ask that you work with your line managers to complete this assessment.

Meetings, Events & Gatherings

We have received guidance from a range of external bodies about steps being taken to limit large gatherings such as educational and training conferences, meetings and other gatherings. In many cases, national bodies have now cancelled or advised cancellation of such events.

Following discussion, the Executive Team have made the decision that for a four-week period - Monday 16th March 2020 to Sunday 12th April 2020 inclusive - that all internal events, in-person training and conferences will be stood down. Individual team meetings and MDTs should stlil go ahead as normal.

If you were scheduled to attend an event during this time then, instead, you should attend work as normal and inform your line manager.

These measures will allow us to ensure cover is available for teams, should we have a number of staff who are unavailable due to isolation over the coming month. This position will be reviewed on a regular basis with reference to national guidance and staffing levels across the Trust.

If you have any questions on any of the above, please email our dedicated address: covid.questions@combined.nhs.uk