Today’s update is below
- SOCIAL GATHERINGS
- COVID-19 SOCIAL DISTANCING & NON-COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE
- UPDATED QUARANTINE GUIDANCE
SOCIAL GATHERINGS
Staff are reminded of the need to adhere to social distancing guidelines at all times, including during social gatherings, to prevent the risk of spread of infection.
Unfortunately, this means that staff are not permitted to arrange gatherings within the Trust to mark a person’s leaving or retiring, or for any other reason.
Staff should also be mindful of the potential risks if they were to attend such a gathering outside of work and ensure appropriate social distancing and wearing of face coverings as per Government guidance.
If a person in attendance were to contract COVID-19, then every member of staff involved would be treated as a contact and would need to self-isolate for 14 days.
(see advice below released 14/08/20 on social distancing and non-compliance)
We understand that this is disappointing for those who would like to mark such an occasion, but at this time it is essential that the safety of staff and patients takes precedent.
Please also be aware that communal food such as buffets (whether from an external caterer or homemade) must not be brought onto site for sharing between staff.
If you would like to mark an occasion for a member of your team, please speak to the Communications Team about options available such as the staff newsletter and social media.
COVID-19 SOCIAL DISTANCING & NON-COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE
As a result of some staff not complying with COVID-19 precautions, social distancing and the use of appropriate PPE, it has been necessary for the Trust to consider taking disciplinary action..
Despite frequent reminders of the importance of social distancing and PPE some staff continue to breach procedures. This has unfortunately resulted in some members of staff having to self-isolate and has impacted on staffing levels including the ability for others to take annual leave.
In instances where staff have failed to follow procedures that outline the requirement of social distancing and PPE, an investigation will be now undertaken which could result in disciplinary action and/ or removal of pay for the period of isolation.
Please see the Staff Covid Website click here for the management guidance on COVID-19 precautions, social distancing & non-compliance. (Password: STHKcovid19)
UPDATED QUARANTINE GUIDANCE (21st August 2020)
Advice for staff:
In the last 24 hours, Austria, Croatia and Trinidad & Tobago have been added to the list of countries where a 14 day quarantine period on return to the UK will be required.
Staff are requested to think very carefully about their holiday plans in the next few weeks and should only travel abroad to countries which are categorised as safe and where at the time of travel there are no travel restrictions in place.
Further details on which countries are affected are available on the Gov.uk website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors
Any further changes to national guidance will be communicated to staff.