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COVID-19: NHS Test and Trace plan to support return to more normal way of life – Press Release 10 December
This document highlights a new business plan that has been released for the NHS Test and Trace programme. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Test and Trace support payment scheme: claiming financial support – Updated 11 December
The guidance has been updated to support those identified through the COVID-19 app to apply for the support payment. The eligibility for the discretionary scheme has also been updated, as well as further links added to financial and work-related COVID-19 support. For more information click here.
Press Release: People with long-term health conditions urged to get flu vaccine before Christmas – Press Release 11 December
Public Health England are urging those with long-term health conditions to get the flu vaccine before Christmas and before the virus starts to circulate. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Alternative formats issued on tier system guidance – Published 11 December
The government have issued some alternative formats such as easy read documents. For more information refer to your relevant tier – Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3.
COVID-19: How to self-isolate when you travel to the UK – Updated 14 December
This guidance has been updated to reflect the change in the self-isolation period when travelling back into the UK from 14 days to 10 days. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Stay at Home Guidance – Updated 14 December
This guidance has been updated to reflect the change in the self-isolation period from 14 days to 10 days. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Adult Social Care Infection Control Fund: Round 2 – Updated 14 December
A reporting template has been updated within the annex documents of this guidance. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Local contacts for providers – Updated 14 December
Local contact details have been updated for providers to be able to source PPE. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Testing for coronavirus before hospital – Published 15 December
A new guidance document sets out how and when to get tested before a hospital procedure. For more information click here.
COVID-19: PHE investigating a novel strain of COVID-19 – News Story 15 December
A new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 has been found across South East England and is being investigated. People must continue to follow the hands, face and space guidance. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Letter to registered providers: regulation fees 2021/22 – Correspondence 15 December
A letter has been written to all providers setting out the regulation fees for 2021/22. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Coronavirus (COVID-19) lateral flow testing of visitors in care homes – Updated 15 December
The guidance has been updated to include the link to the online registration portal which is now live. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Tier guidance – Updated 15 December
The government have updated the tier guidance with new links added in relation to the financial support for businesses in each tier. For more information refer to your relevant tier – Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3.
COVID-19: Getting help with daily activities outside your home during coronavirus – Updated 15 December
The guidance has been updated and details where support is needed whilst outside of the home, what people helping should do to limit the spread of coronavirus. For more information click here.
COVID-19: PPE Portal: How to order COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment – Updated 16 December
The guidance has been updated with new order limits. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Designated settings for people discharged to a care home – Published 16 December
This document provides guidance on the designated setting scheme for those people discharged from hospital with a positive coronavirus result. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Chancellor extends furlough and loan schemes – News Story 17 December
The furlough scheme has been extended until April 2021 with 80% of people’s wages being paid by the government. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Coronavirus (COVID-19): antibody testing – Updated 17 December
The guidance has been updated to include information on the new coronavirus vaccine. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to self-isolate when you travel to the UK – Updated 17 December
A diagram has been added to provide four examples of how the rules apply. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Visiting arrangements in care homes – Updated 17 December
The guidance documents the new requirements of tier four and how visiting arrangements in care homes can take place. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Advice for pregnant employees – Published 23 December
This guidance document has been provided for pregnant employees to support with risk assessments in the workplace during the coronavirus pandemic. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing home care – Updated 24 December
Guidance updated to reflect current policy on how providers should access PPE. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme – Updated 24 December
Guidance updated on eligibility on discretionary payments. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Looking after people who lack mental capacity – Updated 24 December
Guidance has been updated and a new section on offering the vaccine to someone who lacks mental capacity added. For more information click here.
Guidance for the Health and Social Care Sector from 1st January 2021 – Updated 30 December
A letter has been added in relation to the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Tier 4- Stay at Home – Updated 31 December
Following the new tier system the guidance has been updated to include when you can leave home, support bubble information and what businesses must close or can stay open. For more information click here.
Reporting to the National Supply Disruption Response (NSDR) – Published 31 December
Guidance has been published in relation to the NSDR following the end of the transitional period and its support with suppliers and providers of products such as medicines and medical devices. For more information click here.
Cold Weather Alert issued by PHE – News Story 31 December
Public Health England have issued a cold weather alert and how to stay safe during low temperatures. For more information click here.
Policy Updates
All coronavirus policies and resource centre documents have been updated in light of the self-isolation period changing from 14 to 10 days. The isolation period change is also in relation to quarantine rules when entering the UK; resources and policies have also been updated to reflect this.
All coronavirus policies and resource centre documents have been updated in light of the new addition to the tier system across England. An easy read document in relation to Tier 4 has also been produced.