This risk assessment framework should be used on a case by case basis for contacts identified through NHS Test and Trace, the NHS COVID App and other formal contact tracing routes. It should only be used in exceptional circumstances, where care or other statutory responsibilities cannot be delivered safely. It should not be used to authorise blanket exemptions.
- The exceptionality of the situation needs to be recorded
- All options for meeting staffing requirements should be explored first e.g. agency, mutual aid
- All infection, prevention and control (IPC) measures must remain in place
- The exemption only applies to attending the workplace and travelling to and from it. Outside this, individuals are expected to remain in self-isolation
- Careful consideration needs to be given to any concerns that other professional colleagues, other members of staff, clients and family members may have regarding a member of staff being exempted from self-isolation
- Careful consideration should be given to the risk of onward transmission compared to the risk of delivery of critical services. The decision-making process should be documented clearly
- There needs to be a record of the potential harm that may occur if the member of staff cannot attend the workplace
- There needs to be a record that an assessment of the likelihood of infection from the contact has been assessed (e.g. vaccinated, nature of exposure)
- There needs to be a record of what mitigations will be in place to prevent onward infection if the person was to become a case (e.g. testing, PPE use)
- There needs to be a record that mitigations have been put in place to protect the most vulnerable (including residents and staff) from a potentially harmful exposure (e.g. not working with immunocompromised)
The member of staff who has been identified as a contact should not be required to attend work if they wish to continue with their self-isolation