Tag: #Pandemic

New Rules & Free Rapid Home Testing for Employers

On the day when the Stay At Home rule ends and the Rule of 6 (outdoors) comes into force and when shielding is due to end in 2 days, from 6th April, the workplace testing programme will supply home test kits to companies with over 10 workers where it is not possible to set up testing on-site, due to a lack of space or because companies operate across multiple sites.

Businesses across the country will be eligible to order the home test kits online to distribute to their employees. These self-test kits will be picked up by staff from their employer with clear instructions about how to take the test. Staff will then complete the home test in the normal way, before reporting their results to the NHS using the provided gov.uk address.

Businesses are encouraged to register before 12th April in order to access free tests until the end of June, even if they’re not yet open or are not able to start using the tests straight away. Start HERE.

CoronavirusTesting will form a crucial part of everyday life as parts of society reopen. Regular testing could be the difference between a workplace being able to stay open and operational, or needing to close due to a Covid-19 outbreak.

For many employers on-site testing has already become an essential part of its employee offer and a routine part of working life.

Around 1 in 3 people with coronavirus don’t have symptoms, which means they could be spreading the virus in workplaces without knowing. The Government has also confirmed twice-weekly home testing using lateral flow tests for free to all adults in households with Primary, Secondary school and College aged children and young people, including childcare and support bubbles.

The Official of National Statistics (ONS), in response to the NHS Test and Trace, revealed that 86% of people testing positive for Coronavirus are fully complying with self-isolation guidance for their full isolation period. The majority of respondents (68%) also fully understood the self-isolation guidance. Of people who did not fully comply, the most common breaches were to buy food, get medicines or medical appointments.

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A Day of Reflection – 23rd March 2021

Today, the UK remembers those who have died with coronavirus, marking one year since the first lockdown began.  Prime minister, Boris Johnson will address the nation this evening.

At noon, a minute’s silence is being held in memory of those who have died and at 8pm people are being encouraged to stand on doorsteps with phones, candles and torches to signify a “Beacon of Remembrance“.  In Wales, more than 100 historic buildings, including the Senedd, Britannia Bridge, Principality Stadium and castles at Caerphilly, Conwy, Caernarfon and I’m A Celebrity’s Gwrych, will be lit in yellow in memory of all those who have lost their lives.

It is one year since the Prime Minister directed the nation to “Stay at home!“.  With over a quarter of a million people in the UK lost to the Coronavirus, the Prime Minister claims the past year has been one of the most difficult in the country’s history. The Prime Minister also praised the “absolutely astonishing achievement” of British scientists and businesses in developing a vaccine and delivering it to half the adult population within a year. Unfortunately, the anniversary coincides with Boris Johnson fighting a diplomatic offensive behind the scenes in a bid to prevent the European Union carrying out a threat to block exports of Coronavirus vaccines to the UK.

From next week – £5,000 fines are set to come in for people who try to holiday abroad.

CoronavirusVets are warning of a possible link between a new variant of coronavirus and heart problems in cats and dogs after a increase in pets presenting with myocarditis at a specialist veterinary hospital in Buckinghamshire during the pandemic’s second wave.  Read the Guardian‘s full report HERE.

Businesses, theatres and other amenities are cautiously planning their reopening in April and May but the threat of a new variant of the virus and another Lockdown is very real as France and Italy are experiencing a third wave of infection. Germany goes into another Lockdown over Easter.
Public Health England figures show that 11,622 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 by 9am on Monday (March 22) in Dorset – an increase from 11,560 the same time on Friday (March 19th).

Pablo Picasso's "Dove Of Peace"
Pablo Picasso’s “Dove Of Peace”

Many people have died the past year for reasons other than the Coronavirus but the restrictions in place have made the grieving process even more difficult than it would have been. It is a day of Reflection for us all.  Please, be safe and stay safe.

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