Now that winter is on its way, with the prospect of flu, norovirus and other seasonal bugs, it’s more important than ever that you continue to work to the very high standards you are used to, follow the latest Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland guidance on COVID-19 and that you meet the responsibilities set out in the SSSC Codes of Practice.
Test and Protect support for social care staff
Employers also have a responsibility to make sure staff are fit for the duties they perform and to have appropriate procedures in place for the prevention and control of infection. This includes supporting workers to take part in the national Test and Protect programme.
To support social care staff who are ill or are required to isolate as a result of COVID-19, the Scottish Government has set up the Social Care Staff Support Fund. This means eligible staff should be paid their expected income by their employer. Full guidance is on the Social Care Staff Support Fund page of the Scottish Government website.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, live with someone or have been in the company of someone who is self-isolating or who has tested positive, do not go to work. Follow the latest guidance and procedures for testing and isolation and tell your employer immediately. This also applies if you have been contacted through Test and Protect by phone or the Protect Scotland app. This will help to protect you, people experiencing care, your colleagues and your family from the virus.
Staying alert to the continuing risks
Along with infection prevention and control, there are some key areas that you must be extra vigilant about this winter.
- Appropriate use and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Supporting people using services to physically distance.
- Making sure workwear is clean and you only wear it when you need to, not on public transport or in the community.
- Cleaning equipment and spaces regularly using the right products.
- Continue to socially distance, including while working where possible and when taking breaks.
We have designed resources and guides to help you during COVID-19 and you can find all of them on the COVID-19 page of our Learning Zone.
Our Key measures for infection prevention and control resource will be particularly useful and helps break down national guidance into easy to understand segments.
Please always be mindful of the risks and remember the FACTS guidelines.
- Face coverings
- Avoid crowded places
- Clean your hands regularly
- Two metre distance
- Self-isolate and book a test
If you have any questions about any of our resources please use the web form on our Contact us page.