With the lifting of Plan B measures in England, we have already seen the requirements to “work from home if you can” and the wearing of face masks in classrooms for secondary schools and colleges, removed, on the 19th and 20th January 2022 respectively. The roll out also includes:
From 27th January 2022 this further extends to:
- The wearing of face covering, including in communal areas of schools, although the suggestion is to continue to do so in “crowded and indoor spaces”; and
- The need for NHS COVID-19 Pass at venues and events by law.
From 11th February the travel related guidance extends to:
- “If you’re fully vaccinated you will no longer need to take a COVID-19 test either before or after arrival in the UK. You still need to complete a passenger locator form; and
- If you are not fully vaccinated, you will need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after you arrive in the UK.
You will not need to quarantine unless the result of the PCR test is positive. You still need to complete a passenger locator form.”
With Plan A returning, we need to also consider one of the other phrases used in the Government update, “talk to your employer to agree arrangements to return to your workplace”. Already with face masks we are seeing different organisations, especially in retail adopting different approaches. No doubt we will see the same with the workplace on everything from people to control measures and messaging.
Make sure your COVID-19 risk assessment is updated and you have a clear idea of what the expectations are for your organisation. It will fall to workplace and Facilities Managers to facilitate the return and communication will be king if it is to be successful.