Mask wearing on EEAST premises returns to ‘optional’

Thank you all for the continued dynamic approach we have taken to protect each other from infections spread in the workplace.

During December we decided to introduce more stringent precautions due a sharp rise in staff cases of COVID and Flu, which was consistent with community prevalence increasing.

We have been monitoring the numbers closely and we review these on a daily basis. The current number of staff COVID cases is now at around a quarter of what it was when we introduced the additional precautions and there has also been a reduction in staff sickness relating to coughs/colds/flu. The risk of staff acquiring infections in the workplace or outbreaks occurring has now reduced to a sufficient level to ease those additional precautions.

With immediate effect mask wearing on Trust premises and in vehicle cabs becomes optional (unless otherwise indicated locally). 

Please continue to follow all other good practices such as,

• Hand hygiene
• Decontaminating workstations/vehicles
• Checking temperatures
• Being vigilant for symptoms and testing if symptomatic or if asked to by the COVID Team.
• Notify your manager or COVID lead if you are a contact of a known positive COVID case
• Not attending work if not well enough or COVID positive
• Use office space, training and crew rooms appropriately as per local instructions
• Ventilate areas appropriately
• Continue to wear masks as minimum whilst in contact with patients
• Follow the rules of any establishment you attend e.g care home, hospital.
• All other standard IPC practices

Thanks again for your participation and continuing to protect each other, the workforce, and patients.

 IPC & COVID Team

Published 23rd January 2023