Employee News 2020, Issue 82 - Covid-19: Updated Christmas Guidance

The UK and Scottish Governments have updated their guidance in relation to the relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions over the Christmas period from 23 – 27 December.

Whilst the updated guidance still permits the formation of bubbles of up to three households over the five day period, we are advised that the safest way to spend Christmas is at home in your own household.

It has also been emphasised that the rules for travel and mixing of households is the maximum that is permitted but that we should all be ensuring that we keep any mixing of households to a minimum and apply extreme caution.

In addition to ensuring that we do not put the elderly and the most vulnerable at any higher risk of infection ahead of the mass vaccination programme, we are asked to consider meeting ‘Christmas bubble’ households out of doors if possible and also reminded to still pay attention to 2 metre distancing, face coverings, and hand and respiratory hygiene.

The Scottish Government Guidance for Christmas and the Festive Period was published yesterday and contains full details of what is and is not permitted.

Work and Workplace Precautions

As we reminded you in Employee News 81, we must all remain vigilant to the symptoms of Covid-19, and must not come to work in any of the following circumstances:

  • You have covid-19 symptoms
  • A member of your household has Covid-19 symptoms
  • You have booked a Covid-19 test
  • You are waiting for Covid-19 test results
  • You or anyone in your household have a positive Covid-19 test result.

In all of these circumstances you must self-isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms.

It is also important to ensure that you:

  • Follow the Covid-19 risk assessment for your role
  • Follow the Covid-19 operating procedures for your workplace
  • Maintain 2m social distancing where possible
  • Keep to the maximum capacity of designated areas
  • Wear a face covering in communal areas and walking through the workplace
  • Follow good hand and respiratory hygiene.

As always, we will continue to keep you updated as further information and reminders are issued. In the meantime please continue to follow all guidance to ensure you stay safe and we keep our families and loved ones safe.

Thank you

Ann Davie

Depute Chief Executive, Education, People & Business

Friday 18 December 2020