COVID-19 Latest Guidance
Following the First Minister’s announcement earlier this week and continuing concerns in relation to the Omicron variant, we would like to provide a further employee update in relation to the latest COVID-19 workplace guidance:
- Working from home
The Government guidance is clear that anyone who can work from home, should work from home and, as we have stressed in recent Employee News and this week’s DCE update, this applies to all our non-frontline services.
- Workplace mitigations
All those required to attend their workplace must ensure that they follow the workplace mitigations we have in place at all times. This includes social distancing, the wearing of face coverings, regular hand sanitising, ventilation and all measures identified in the workplace risk assessments.
- Regular testing
NHS guidance is that those attending a workplace should carry out regular COVID-19 lateral flow tests. Testing kits are available in our schools for school-based staff (and for pupils in our secondary schools). Information on how and where to get a test can be found on the NHS Inform testing page.
As always the very latest guidance from the Scottish Government is available online, and you should ensure that you stay up to date with developments to help keep yourselves and your loved ones safe. You can find the latest guidance on the COVID-19 pages of the Scottish Government website.
Command and Control
We are re-establishing our rigorous command and control measures for requests to access our workplaces. Anyone other than our established frontline operational services who requires access to a workplace must seek permission in advance through their Executive Officer (EO) and permission will be determined with the EO and Depute Chief Executive. It is essential that we adhere to this process to minimise workplace attendance and keep everyone safe.
Vaccination
You will have seen from Government and NHS messaging in recent days, which we have been sharing through our Council social media channels, that the COVID-19 vaccination booster programme is being accelerated in light of the Omicron variant. The booking of COVID-19 booster appointments is now open to anyone who is 18 or over. If you are eligible you are encouraged to book an appointment through the flu and booster appointment page of the NHS Inform website where you can select from a range of venue options and dates.
Symptoms of COVID-19
If you do develop symptoms, you and your household must immediately self-isolate and you and anyone else in the household with symptoms must book a PCR test. You can do this on the NHS Inform website. If your PCR test is positive, the whole household must also book PCR tests as close contacts and must continue to isolate in line with the current guidance, which is available on the NHS inform website.
Reporting COVID-19 Absence
A reminder that our agreed arrangements for COVID-19 reporting are that you must phone HR if you have a positive PCR test or if you are required to isolate as a result of someone in your household having a positive PCR test. Reporting is seven days a week and the reporting line is available from 9am to 5pm on 0141 574 5535.
We understand that this is a very challenging time with these concerning infection rates, especially as we approach Christmas and New Year. If we ensure that we follow all of the guidance that is in place, including reducing our social contacts ahead of getting together with our families at Christmas, we can keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.
Thank you
Ann Davie
Depute Chief Executive