Updated FAQs - COVID-19 self-isolation
13 Aug 2021
The UK government guidance on COVID-19 self-isolation changes on Monday, 16 August
We have updated our COVID-19 staff FAQs to reflect the UK government guidance on self-isolation that will come into effect from Monday, 16 August.
The following FAQ has been added:
Do I need to self-isolate if I’m fully vaccinated and have been identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19?
From Monday, 16 August, the Government guidance surrounding self-isolation will change; this means that members of staff who have been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks since their second vaccine dose, and those under the age of 18, are exempt from mandatory self-isolation if they have been identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 and are not displaying symptoms. Whilst not a legal requirement, you are advised to take a PCR test if you have come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19, as per Government guidance. If your test result were to come back positive then you would be required to isolate.
The following FAQ has been amended:
Is self-isolation / quarantine counted as paid sick leave or do I have to take unpaid leave?
Government and NHS guidelines require people to self-isolate/quarantine if they have COVID-19 symptoms, they suspect they may have been exposed to the virus and are not fully vaccinated, they are waiting for a COVID-19 test result, or they have recently returned from international travel.
If you are well and able to work from home, you can do so throughout any self-isolation/quarantine period.
If you cannot work from home and are self-isolating due to symptoms or you are not fully vaccinated and suspect exposure due to a close contact, you should report this to your line manager in line with the reporting case protocol. You will receive full pay during this absence and it will not be counted for the purpose of any monitoring against trigger points under the Sickness Absence Policy and Procedures. Please note that staff are still required to obtain either a fit note, or an isolation note to cover the duration of their absence after the initial 7 day period of self-certification. See the international travel section of this FAQ above for further information about self-isolation following international travel.