The new NHS Test and Trace service launches today (Thursday 28 May) across England. The service is intended to identify, contain and control coronavirus, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.
From today, anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent interactions.
This could include household members, people with whom they have been in direct contact, or within 2 metres for more than 15 minutes.
People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms, to stop unknowingly spreading the virus.
The government has issued guidance to explain how employers and businesses can play their part in the NHS test and trace programme and it’s available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-workplace-guidance?utm_source=3ad1e505-7776-4963-b366-f718239cf904&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
It includes that employers play their part in the Test and Trace system by:
- making their workplaces as safe as possible
- encouraging workers to heed any notifications to self-isolate and supporting them when in isolation
The guidance states that although this may seem disruptive for businesses, it is less disruptive than an outbreak of COVID-19 in the workplace will be, and far less disruptive than periods in lockdown.
The Government has issued ‘5 steps to working safely’ guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/5-steps-to-working-safely and sector specific guidance which I’ve sent you links to previously here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
If you’ve any queries about working safely or preparing to re-open your business please catherine.price@newground.co.uk
