Coronavirus guidance updates

Just a couple of new updates:

Public Health England have issued new guidance on those categorised as extremely clinically vulnerable.

From 1st April, 2021 they are NO longer advised to shield, just to take extra precautions when they are out and about.  These people will no longer be eligible for SSP or other benefits.  If they can work from home great, if not then they are advised to return to work.  A letter will be going out to them confirming this.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-letter-to-clinically-extremely-vulnerable-people?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=636ba402-0c68-44d8-bd67-6e627c654702&utm_content=daily

Lateral Flow Tests

This has now been opened up to more employers.  If your staff can not work from home, you may be able to order free rapid lateral flow tests to test your employees twice per week.

This needs to be done before 31st March, 2021 – see link for how you can register https://www.gov.uk/get-workplace-coronavirus-tests

Job Retention Scheme

If you are still needing to utilise furlough, here is the link for the most updated version https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme