Managing respiratory infections, lateral flow tests and face coverings

Managing respiratory infections in the workplace

The English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments have updated their guidance for managing respiratory infections, including COVID-19. They have now separated out guidance for NHS workers (or workers contracted to undertake NHS work), and those in the independent sector.

NHS workers and contractors

NHS workers and contractors should follow the guidance, published on 1 April 2022 on gov.uk: Managing healthcare staff with symptoms of a respiratory infection or a positive COVID-19 test result.

Healthcare workers in independent practice

Healthcare workers in independent practice, including podiatrists, should follow the guidance, published on 1 April 2022 on gov.uk, for your workplace: Reducing the spread of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, in the workplace.

There is also guidance, published on 1 April 2022 on gov.uk, specifically for people who have symptoms: People with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19.

Scottish government guidance can be found on nhsinform.scot on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pages.

Lateral flow tests

Lateral flow tests (LFTs) are no longer free for most people in independent practice and therefore you are no longer expected to undertake regular testing, unless you wish to do so. We have raised this issue with the government and the Department of Health, along with other professional bodies.

If you have symptoms, it is now your choice whether to self-isolate or not, but we would strongly recommend you undertake a risk assessment, considering your vulnerable patients and staff, before deciding to return to work.

In Wales and Northern Ireland you can only order LFTs if you have symptoms - see gov.wales Get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) or on nidirect.co.uk Coronavirus (COVID-19): testing.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland access to free LFTs and guidance on self-isolation has not changed. We will let members know if it does.

Face coverings

All healthcare workers and their patients are still expected to wear face masks/face coverings - see: Infection prevention and control for seasonal respiratory infections in health and care settings (including SARS-CoV-2) for winter 2021 to 2022.