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Christmas Party Season

Christmas lights pexels

We are aware that many Christmas gatherings are currently taking place.  The Covid and IPC teams would like to raise awareness that over the last two weeks COVID & Flu sickness has risen significantly (nearly double the amount of COVID cases). 

Whilst gatherings outside of work are not prohibited it is important to understand the risk that this causes and that many cases have been attributed to Christmas gatherings. 

It is important we continue to protect ourselves, our communities, and our workforce by not attending gatherings outside of the workplace if you are unwell.  It is advisable to gather in smaller groups to reduce the risk to yourself and the potential impact on your teams.

Gatherings of large groups having contact outside of work whilst they celebrate the festive season alongside large volumes of the public increases the risk of staff sickness and also then the risk of staff-to-staff transmission in the workplace. It is not just COVID-19 which we are at risk off.  There has been a well-publicised increase in other respiratory viruses including Flu, which was expected following two years of lockdowns and social distancing.

We would like you all to remain well and safe during the festive season.

The COVID team at EEAST advise the following:

  • If you have any COVID-19, cold or flu symptoms - protect your colleagues by not attending the party or event
  • We recommend LFT testing prior to going to any parties or events and again test for a few days following
  • Consider having smaller get togethers rather than whole teams at one large event
  • Have a supply of LFT tests available. These can be obtained from https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests for patient facing staff or for non-patient facing staff please email eeastcovidleads@eastamb.nhs.uk for further information  
  • Please order LFT kits now as Christmas is fast approaching along with other bank holidays and postal strikes
  • Report any symptoms, including cold/flu symptoms to line managers and the COVID team so we can give the correct advice.

EEAST COVID team are available 7 days a week, including the festive season, from 07:00-22:00 on 07715 494158 or via eeastcovidleads@eastamb.nhs.uk

Happy EEASTMAS from us all at EEAST COVID Team & EEAST Infection Prevention & Control Team.

 Published 17th December 2022