There has been increasing news coverage over the past week about the COVID-19 Omicron Variant, with changes in particular to the requirements for self-isolation, and also around travel. You can find the up to date guidance on the COVID-19 pages of the Scottish Government website.
Guidance in respect of the workplace remains unchanged. As we reminded everyone in the Depute Chief Executives Update last week, if you are able to work from home you should continue to do so. If you need to attend a workplace to carry out your role, please ensure that you follow all the mitigations we have in place to keep everyone safe.
The COVID-19 vaccination booster programme is being accelerated in light of the Omicron variant and is now open to all those aged 40 and above. Although reminders to book and SMS text messages are being sent to those now eligible, appointments are not being sent out, and must be booked individually. Anyone who is 40 or above can book their vaccination booster appointment on the flu and booster appointment page of the NHS Inform website where you can select from range of venue options and dates.
We are also being reminded that regular community testing using rapid Lateral Flow testing kits, for those without symptoms, is one of the best ways of breaking community transmission.
Lateral Flow test kits are available in our schools – and they are also available for collection at the Community Testing Centre in the War Memorial Hall in Bishopbriggs and also from our testing bus which is located through the week (Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30 pm) at Milngavie precinct. From Monday of next week (13 December) Lateral Flow test kits will also be available for collection in our Community Hubs in Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch and Lennoxtown. If you prefer testing kits to be delivered directly to your own home, you can order them online from the gov.uk website.
If you do develop symptoms, you must immediately self-isolate and book a PCR test. You can do this on the NHS Inform website where you will also find the latest guidance in relation to isolating for you and your household.
Thank you
Ann Davie
Depute Chief Executive
Wednesday 8 December 2021