On the 14th September, the government published the COVID-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan 2021 to reflect how it plans to sustain the progress that has been made so far and prepare for any potential future challenges.
The initial part of this response begins with, ‘Plan A’. This is largely a continuation of the way we are carrying on at the moment and the government wants to achieve the following:
- Build defences through pharmaceutical interventions: vaccines, antivirals and disease-modifying therapeutics.
- Continue with Track, Trace and Isolate.
- Support the NHS and social care by managing pressures and recovering services.
- Provide advice, clear guidance and communications to people on how to protect themselves and others.
- Lend aid to vaccinate the world and manage the risks at the border.
In the case that Plan A is insufficient, the government has also outlined a ‘Plan B’. This secondary plan would come underway in the instance that data suggests that the NHS is likely to come under unsustainable pressure.
In this event, the government will prioritise measures that can help control the transmission of the virus while simultaneously trying to minimise economic and social impacts. This includes:
- Communicating clearly and urgently to the public that the level of risk has increased and with it the need to behave more cautiously.
- Legally mandating face coverings in certain settings.
- Consider asking people to work from home if they can, for a limited period.
- Introducing mandatory vaccine-only COVID-status certification in certain settings, such as:
- All nightclubs.
- Indoor, crowded settings with 500 or more attendees where those attendees are likely to be in close proximity to people from other households, such as music venues or large receptions.
- Outdoor, crowded settings with 4,000 or more attendees where those attendees are likely to be in close proximity to people from other households, such as outdoor festivals.
- Any settings with 10,000 or more attendees, such as large sports and music stadia.
Some settings would be exempt from the requirements to use the certification, including communal worship, wedding ceremonies, funerals and other commemorative events, protests and mass participation sporting events. The Government hopes not to have to implement Plan B, but given the uncertainty, these measures are meant to set out details now so that the public and businesses know what to expect if further measures become necessary.
An increasing number of workers have gradually returned, or are preparing to return, to offices and workplaces. As workers return to the workplace, employers should follow the Working Safely guidance.
In addition, businesses are encouraged to:
- Ask employees to stay at home if they are feeling unwell.
- Ensure there is an adequate supply of fresh air to indoor spaces. Businesses should identify any poorly ventilated spaces, for example by using a CO2 monitor, and take steps to improve fresh air flow in these areas.
- Provide hand sanitiser to enable staff and customers to clean their hands more frequently, and clean surfaces which people touch regularly.
- Display an NHS QR code poster for customers to check-in using the NHS COVID-19 app, so they are alerted if there’s an outbreak and can take action to protect others.
The government will engage on certification proposals with affected businesses and civil society to ensure measures are proportionate and effective. They have made it apparent that they are again seeking stakeholders’ views on certification proposals and invite submissions of evidence.
The government is particularly interested in views from businesses, event organisers and venue operators, including from those that have experience of using certification on a voluntary basis over the summer, and on the proposals for the workforce. The government invites submissions of evidence and is also engaging with stakeholder representative groups.
- Maximising uptake of the vaccine among those that are eligible but have not yet taken up the offer.
- Offering booster doses to individuals who received vaccination in Phase 1 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme (priority groups 1-9).
- Offering a first dose of vaccine to 12-15 year olds.
If fully vaccinated, you do not need to self-isolate after being in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 or when returning from a country that was previously part of the red travel list. The government has expressed that it wants to make it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated and for this, they have set up ‘grab a jab’ pop-up vaccine sites. You can find the nearest location to you on the NHS website.
Lastly, the NHS is offering a third vaccine dose (or boosters) to people aged over 50, or those with a health condition that puts them at higher risk from COVID-19. These groups will be contacted by the NHS whereas only frontline health and social care workers can book their booster online. If you are a frontline health or social care worker, you can only make a booking if it’s been at least six months since your second dose. If you test positive for COVID-19, you have to wait four weeks from the date of your test result to get your booster.
If you think you can book, or need more information, visit the dedicated NHS page.
You can find further health and safety guidelines for your business on the C2 Safety website.
We can help you to operate legally and ensure that people can return safely to or work safely on your premises. Please get in contact with a member of our team if you need any assistance.
