Last updated on December 22nd, 2021 at 04:03 pm
On 27th November 2021, the Government updated its travel advice and imposed a series of new restrictions to allow time to understand the impact of the Omicron B variant of COVID19.
The new restrictions are as follows:
- Anyone arriving in the UK from any non red list country MUST:
- Self-isolate until PCR result is received *see below
- Take a PCR test before the end of day 2 after you arrive back in the UK. This must be a Government approved test.
*The self-isolation period required until the PCR test result is received MUST either be included in the approved annual leave or alternatively staff are encouraged to complete their mandatory training at home using Moodle via their own device (ipad, laptop or phone). Evidence of completed modules must be provided to your manager. Where this is not possible staff can take unpaid leave, or time off in lieu, this must be discussed and agreed with your manager prior to leaving the UK.
To access Moodle from home, click on the following link using your AD/STHK/windows credentials and navigating to mandatory and core training
https://elearning.shk.nhs.uk/mod/scorm/view.php?id=1565
Positive test result
Anyone who tests positive must self-isolate for 7 days providing they have a negative lateral flow test on day 6 and day 7. Isolation should not end early if you are still experiencing symptoms.
If you are covid positive and are not double vaccinated you must still isolate for the full 10 days
If the test result shows the person is positive with the Omicron B variant then the positive person and ALL contacts MUST self-isolate for 7 days. This rule also applies to children.
These rules also apply to people currently isolation, so people who tested positive or first showed symptoms on Friday last week could end their isolation in time for Christmas Day if they meet the conditions e.g. negative lateral flow on day 6 and day 7.
Please Note: If a member of your household tests positive for the non Omnicron B variant. The Trust’s self-isolation process must still be followed.
Negative test result
Staff who have a negative PCR result must also take daily Lateral Flow Tests until day 10 after their return into the UK (these are available from the Self Isolation Hub)
Anyone arriving in the UK from any red list country
The list of red countries was updated at 12noon on Friday 26th November 2021 and included:
South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe
The Red List was further updated from 4am on Sunday 28th November 2021 and now also includes:
Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola
If you arrived in England from any of these countries after 4am on the 28th November, you must follow standard red list rules.
This means you must quarantine in a managed hotel and take 2 PCR tests whether you are fully vaccinated (2 doses) or not.
PLEASE NOTE: Staff should not travel to a red list country for any reason
3. Anyone arriving in the UK from any non red list country – not fully vaccinated (2 doses)
If you are not fully vaccinated (2 doses) on arrival into the UK you must:
· quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 full days
*The quarantine period required (10 days) MUST be included in the approved annual leave. Where this is not possible the options of taking unpaid leave, or time off in lieu, must be discussed and agreed with your manager prior to leaving the UK.
· Take 2 COVID-19 PCR tests – book these tests before you travel
You must take the first test on or before day 2 and the second test on or after day 8. The day you arrive is day 0.
MANAGER GUIDE FOR RECORDING ABSENCE
For staff arriving from a red list country managers must enter the following codes:
ESR- Special Increasing Balance>Infection Precaution>Coronavirus>Post Travel Quarantine
E-Roster –Unavailability> Other (Post Travel Quarantine)
For all other Covid related absence please follow the current recording process
Managers please enter the following codes
ESR- Special Increasing Balance>Infection Precaution>Coronavirus>Post Travel Quarantine
E-Roster –Unavailability> Other (Post Travel Quarantine)
For staff completing their Mandatory training from home, please record them as admin time on the roster for the number of hours agreed
The risk posed by individual countries will be continuously monitored and the green, green watchlist, amber and red lists will be updated every 3 weeks.
If the situation in a country changes dramatically, the Government will not hesitate to act swiftly and decisively to protect the health of the UK public and our progress on vaccination.