Updates
Update, 16 August 2021
Published: 16 August 2021
Many of you will know that from today double vaccinated adults and under 18s will no longer need to isolate if they are identified as a close contact of somebody with COVID-19 (as long as they do not have symptoms).
This means if you get pinged by the NHS app, or notified by NHS Test and Trace by phone, you can continue working, providing you meet the following requirements:
1. You must have had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and you must have received the second dose at least 14 days ago
2. You must be asymptomatic
3. You must provide proof of a negative PCR test before coming into work. Proof should be emailed to StaffIsolationExemption@uhb.nhs.uk
4. Starting the day after you have completed your PCR test, you need to complete a daily lateral flow device test every day for 10 days thereafter. These must be done before you come into work. Results need to be reported by email ro StaffIsolationExemption@uhb.nhs.uk and via the self-testing (lateral flow) kits reporting form. If you test positive, you must self isolate and arrange a PCR test
5. You must continue wear appropriate PPE for your area of work
Please note: If the above requirements cannot be met, for example if you have received no doses or only one dose of the vaccine, you will, by law, need to self-isolate. You must also self-isolate if someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19.
If you are exempt from self-isolation but develop COVID-19 symptoms, please do not come to work and organise a PCR test via the Trust or a local COVID-19 test centre immediately.
Individual risk assessments
You must ensure you have an up-to-date individual risk assessment. Please speak to your manager if you need to update yours or have not yet completed one.
Requirements for managers
Local workplace risk assessments must be carried out to identify services that care for clinically extremely vulnerable patients. This is to ensure that staff who have been identified as a close contact but no longer need to self-isolate do not have direct contact with these patients.
If a member of staff is identified as a close contact please download and fill out the self-isolation exemption decision assessment tool.
You must then email the completed document, along with evidence that your staff member has received both vaccinations and evidence of a negative PCR result.
Email: StaffIsolationExemption@uhb.nhs.uk
More information can be found on the self-isolation page:
COVID-19 vaccine
All staff are encouraged to get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have not yet had the vaccine, or have only had one dose, you can book a walk-in appointment: