COVID-19 update

Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise locally and nationally. There is a new variant called Eris, which appears to be similar to other Omicron variants in its symptoms and severity. Overall, numbers remain low and are being monitored, but we are asking everyone to remain vigilant to the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and take necessary precautions:

Please test any patient with an LFD test who:

• Presents with respiratory infection symptoms and are being admitted to hospital
• For those people who are inpatients already and develop
• Two or more episodes of fever higher than 38°C and the new onset of cough;

Or      ii.        Two or more episodes of fever higher than 38°C and a sore throat.

• are for admission to Turner or ICU;
• are for discharge to a care home.

For more information, please refer to our COVID-19 outbreak policy

• All LFD test results must be recorded on Cyberlab unless in the emergency department where the result must be typed into the electronic medical notes.
• Please keep yourself and others safe by using basic infection prevention and control measures. Wash or clean your hands after every patient contact or coughing/ sneezing. Use PPE where instructed and keep surroundings clean, windows open for ventilation etc.
• If you have symptoms of a respiratory/viral infection which could be COVID-19, you are not required to do an LFD test unless you have a condition that is considered to put you into the high risk category for immunosuppression/ disease decline; the current list for the relevant conditions can be found here.  
• If you are symptomatic and unable to work, stay off work or work from home if able, until you are well enough to return; usually this would be three to four days. An LFD test is not necessary.

• If you take an LFD which is positive, line managers should remind the staff member that testing is not recommended unless for a specific health reason. The staff member stays off work until feels well enough to be back at work.

This advice is offered to support staff to take the right actions which limit spread appropriately.

More information on the current guidance for staff can be found on the government website, www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-managing-healthcare-staff-with-symptoms-of-a-respiratory-infection

We are approaching vaccine season again for flu and we will update you when the staff vaccination is starting. The COVID-19 booster vaccination programme will include NHS staff in the same way as previous vaccination programmes; details, timing etc are expected shortly and we will keep you informed. Thank you.