Coronavirus update 21 February 2022

Yesterday, the Government unveiled it’s "living with Covid" plan. This means that:

From 21 February: the government is dropping guidance for staff and students in most education and childcare settings to undertake twice weekly asymptomatic testing

From Thursday 24 February:

• People who test positive for Covid will no longer be legally required to self-isolate, but they will still be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days
• Routine contact tracing will end, so fully-vaccinated close contacts and those under 18 will no longer be legally required to test daily for seven days
• The £500 self-isolation support payment for people on low incomes who test positive for Covid will no longer be available
• Covid provisions for increased statutory sick pay will apply for a further month 

From 1 April:

• Free mass symptomatic and asymptomatic testing for the general public will end, and will instead be targeted towards the most vulnerable
• People with COVID symptoms will be asked to exercise personal responsibility when deciding whether to stay at home - until then they are still advised to do so
• Current government guidance on Covid passports will end and it will no longer recommend venues use the NHS Covid pass

What does that mean for you?

We will continue to take a cautious approach to the relaxation of the rules.

We have asked our staff not to mix with people if they are showing symptoms or have tested positive and to follow the Government's advice to stay at home for five days.

Working in your home

When we meet you, please let us know if you would like us to wear a face mask and we are happy to do so.

Please make sure that rooms are well-ventilated, and we ask that you continue to keep a 1m distance whilst we are working or meeting you.

Please let us know if anyone in your home is showing Covid symptoms.

Visiting the Office

If you do visit our office, we would prefer you to wear a face mask, and please don’t come if you think you have symptoms.  

We will be reviewing the impact of the relaxing of the rules and will update you with any changes.