COVID Christmas Guidance

Christmas Party Season is upon us…

After a long hard year for many, the COVID team are keen for staff to celebrate the Christmas season with their friends, colleagues and loved ones, but with the awareness COVID-19 and the flu virus is still very much around us. It is important we continue to protect ourselves and our communities.

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 increase risk of staff – to -staff transmission in the workplace and its 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, and 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 symptoms, consider not attending the party or event.
• We recommend having a supply of LFT tests available. These can be obtained 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.
• We recommend LFT testing prior to going to the party or event and again test for a few days following.
• Report any symptoms to line managers and the COVID team so we can give the correct advice.
• EEAST COVID team are available across the festive season 7 days a week 07:00-22:00 on 07715 494158 or via eeastcovidleads@eastamb.nhs.uk
• Have a fantastic time celebrating with colleagues and family – let’s face it we all deserve it, but please stay safe!

Happy Christmas from us all at EEAST COVID Team.

Published 6th December 2022