COVID-19 workplace guidelines on sharing food

Sharing of food is a tradition in many workplaces at Christmas but this year we will have to forego that due to Government guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. 

The guidelines for workplaces state that there should not be any sharing of food and drink by staff.

In addition, the public often bring gifts of food to ambulances stations or hand to crews during their shift.  We are asking staff to deal with this pragmatically while sticking to the guidelines. For example, consider declining respectively and explain the reasons as to why this year is different.  If the public are insistent, local consideration of how to share out the accepted food must be in line with the government guidelines to help reduce transmission of COVID-19.

Staff are also reminded to adhere fastidiously to the guidance on working safely during the pandemic. A useful poster produced by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives which details this guidance around the wearing masks and social distancing can be found on East24.

Wednesday 9th December 2020