Recently we have been contacted by a number of members enquiring if they can insist that their staff wear face masks during working hours. We would advise members that they cannot force their staff members to wear face masks whilst in work.
In addition, the Government recently have updated the advice surrounding close contacts. If you have an employee that thinks they have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, they do not need to restrict their movements or self-isolate.
They should:
- watch out for symptoms of COVID-19 – it can take up to 14 days after you are infected for symptoms to show
- take extra care to follow the advice on protecting others from COVID-19, in case you have the virus
- If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you do not need to do a COVID-19 test unless you are a healthcare worker.
This recent update should help to relieve the pressure of close contact employees not being available for work.