Update on the management of respiratory infections in healthcare workers
New guidance for those working in England, and sources of guidance for those in the devolved nations
For those working in England
The UK Health Security Agency has released an update on the management of respiratory infections in healthcare workers.
Those in healthcare settings, including face-to-face patient care, whose job does not involve providing direct inpatient care to immunocompromised patients, have symptoms of a respiratory infection and a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work, are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They are not required to take a COVID-19 test and should follow the guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19. If a worker does have a positive result for COVID-19, regardless of symptoms, they should follow the guidance for the general public who have a positive test result. In both cases they should stay at home until they no longer have a high temperature (if they had one) or until they no longer feel unwell.
Line managers/employers should undertake a risk assessment before patient-facing workers return to the workplace. Workers should comply rigorously with the relevant infection control and personal protective equipment procedures upon their return to work.
Those in the NHS or employed should follow workplace guidance. Employers and clinical leads in the private sector should review and update workplace policies. Read the full guidance document on the UK government website.
If you are working in the devolved nations
Those working in the devolved nations should continue to follow the appropriate government advice for healthcare workers with symptoms of a respiratory illness including COVID-19: