Staff isolation and when to return to work

December 30, 2022

The guidance for isolation and when to return to work for colleagues who have contracted COVID-19 has been revised.

Day 1 of isolation is the day after the colleague has developed symptoms, or if asymptomatic the date the positive LFT/PCR test was taken, whichever is earlier.

Colleagues can return to work from day 6 if they have had two negative lateral flow tests, feel clinically well and have a normal temperature. The LFTs should be taken 24 hours apart. The first LFT should not be taken before the day 4 and should ideally be taken as soon as possible on waking.

Further details of the clinic schedule can be found on Connect.

Inpatient screening for COVID-19 has also been updated. Positive COVID patients should be swabbed daily using LFT from day 4. If they have two consecutive negative results and no temperature, they can be stepped down from isolation.

Patients who are positive for flu can be stepped down from isolation on day 5 if they are asymptomatic. In rare occasions they can be stepped down on day 4 but this should only be done in agreement with the ward manager/clinical lead.  

Inpatient screening for COVID-19 has also been updated and can be found on the following link: Inpatient screening guide.