Isolation Exemption changes for pharmacy teams

31st August 2021

The SG Policy Framework details the clinical safeguards required for close contacts of people with a positive COVID test to be able to return to work. The framework provides a checklist which employers can use with employees to provide clarity on self-isolation and COVID testing requirements for the person to return to work

Following a close contact notification, pharmacy team members:

 Are not required to self-isolate if they:

• are double vaccinated at least 14 days prior to exposure (vaccination date is ‘day 1’)
• had a negative PCR test, after exposure;
• are not currently self-isolating;
• have no COVID-19 symptoms

Are required to self-isolate for 10 days:

• if they have a positive PCR test result
• have declined to take a PCR test
• if they develop COVID symptoms after returning to work and they should take a PCR test
• if they have a positive LFD test and they should take a PCR test

Are required to self-test with lateral flow tests for 10 days

• if they have a negative PCR test and return to work. Staff declining LFD testing should not work in patient facing roles.

The employee’s line manager must:

• facilitate the access to LFD test kits
• risk assess ensuring that the member of staff is not returning to a high risk clinical setting

Further reading:

• sehd.scot.nhs.uk/dl/DL(2021)24.pdf Update on isolation exemptions for health and social care staff
• nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid19/coronavirus-covid-19-general-advice Coronavirus (COVID-19):General advice
• NPA Suite of Risk assessment resources available to members at npa.co.uk/news-and-events/news-item/important-update-covid-19-individual-risk-assessments-surveys-during-july-2020/

Please contact the Pharmacy Services team for further advice and support:

• Telephone: 01727891800 (Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm, Sat 9am to 1pm)
• Email: pharmacyservices@npa.co.uk