Clinical Update: Omicron

Despite data still emerging on Omicron (variant B.1.1.529), World Health Organisation and the United Kingdom have deemed this a Variant of Concern (VOC) with evidence of a number of mutations compared to that of the Delta variant.

In line with government guidance, the Omicron Clinical Update has been produced. Please view the clinical update here or download below.

• On Thursday 25th November, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia were added to the UK’s travel red list along with that from 4am on Sunday 28th November, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola were also added to the travel red list.

• Anyone who has returned from those areas in the past 10 days from the 28^th November onwards will be required to quarantine – regardless of whether they have booked or used a lateral flow device, and regardless of its result.UKHSA (formally known as Public Health England) is actively following up with these individuals.
  • Red list of countries and territories - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  • Prime Minister sets out new measures as Omicron variant identified in UK: 27 November 2021 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
    • Point to note – if you have been instructed that you have been in close contact with someone suspected or confirmed as being infected with the Omicron variant you must isolate for 10 days and will not be eligible for isolation exemption, regardless of vaccination status.

• Anyone who returns from any travel overseas to countries not on the travel red list should not return to the workplace until they have had an initial negative PCR on day 2. They must isolate until they receive a negative PCR result. They should also do daily lateral flow test until day 10 after return.
  • Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• There are no current indications of changes in transmission mode, therefore
  • the current standard levels of PPE are appropriate when dealing with patients.
  • Level 2 PPE should be used as minimum for all patient contacts.
  • Level 3 PPE must be used when conducting aerosol generating procedures with all patients.
  • The standard decontamination methods should continue, including the thorough post patient decontamination using vehicle based disinfectant wipes as a minimum.

A clinical update has been distributed with more details regarding patient travel and patient handover for Operational staff.

• We must continue all current standard safety measures in relation to COVID Working Safely and precautions outlined in the COVID Guidance for Ambulance Trusts that we have all been working to for some time. There is currently no reasoning or evidence to suggest these precautions should be changed and vigilance is key.

• Remember to continue the following practices (list is not exhaustive, refer to main documents for more detail)
  • Physical distancing 2m where possible
  • Ventilation, opening windows etc
  • Regular decontamination
  • Regular hand hygiene
  • Working from home where possible
  • Use of screens and barriers
  • Mask wearing when on Trust premises & Vehicles
  • Level 2&3 PPE use when attending patients
  • Lateral flow testing twice per week minimum and increased when necessary
  • Ensure vaccination status is up to date
  • Follow site risk assessments
  • Do not share food
  • Consider safety measure and risks whilst outside of the workplace also

Working Safely During COVID (Non-Clinical areas)

COVID-19 IPC Guidance for Ambulance Trusts (Clinical guidance)

 

Further updates will distributed as new guidance or information emerges.

Shaun Watkins

Head of Infection Prevention and Control

Published 1st December 2021