Retesting for agency staff in accordance to the Public Health England

Based on the latest guidance from Public Health England & NHS Track & Trace; staff who have previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 are exempt from being retested within a period of 90 days from their initial illness onset, unless they develop new possible COVID-19 symptoms. This is because fragments of inactive virus can be persistently detected in respiratory tract samples for some time following infection. If a staff member is found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR within 90 days from their initial illness onset, depending on their symptoms and advice from an infection specialist, they may need to self-isolate again.

If staff are tested for COVID 19 after 90 days from their initial illness onset and are found to be positive, this should be considered as a possible new infection. If they have developed new possible COVID symptoms, they would need to self-isolate again, however. If you are asymptomatic, further management should be discussed with an infection specialist (e.g. Microbiology, Virology, Infectious diseases) before a decision is made regarding another self-isolation period.

How to avoid spreading the infection

It's very important to do what you can to reduce the risk of you and other people getting ill with coronavirus. Wash your hands, cover your face, make space. You can spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms.

Do

• Wear a face covering (mask) at all times while on assignment, ensure this is worn appropriately.

• Ensure you follow the clients infection control protocol

• try to stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with (or anyone that you do not support)

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds

• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water is not available

• wash your hands as soon as you get home

• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze

• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards

Don’t

• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean