Even as Boris Johnson published his Living with COVID plan in February, eliminating mandatory masks, social distancing, and self-isolation measures, the arrival of the infectious Omicron BA.2 sub-version The transition rate accelerated in the spring before fall, a pattern of ups and downs that has continued ever since.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), almost one in every 17 people in the UK had coronavirus at the peak of the most recent wave in July, with the case count falling mercifully to just 120,000 per day since then.
The Living With Covid scheme eliminated the legal requirement for employees to tell their employers that they have tested positive for the virus and are required to self-isolate.
But the threat from covid is still very real, what’s going to work when sick is really such a good idea?
Can I go to work with Covid?
Yes, you can go to work even after testing positive for COVID and there is no legal obligation to tell your employer if you are infected.
However, workers are encouraged to follow the government’s guidance for those who become infected with the virus and self-isolate for seven days.
Do I need to get tested for covid before going to work?
No, you do not need to be tested for COVID before going anywhere including going to work.
Most people in England are no longer advised to be tested and cannot obtain free lateral flow testing from the NHS unless you are one of a small number of eligible people.
Those who want to get tested will have to buy COVID-19 tests from pharmacies and other retailers.
What should I do if I feel unwell?
The government has prescribed guidelines for people who have symptoms of a respiratory infection but have not tested for COVID-19, as well as for those who have tested and received a positive result.
Common respiratory infections and symptoms of COVID-19 include a persistent cough; high temperature or fever; decrease or change in the general sense of taste or smell, difficulty breathing, lack of strength, loss of appetite, Headache, Sore throat, and stuffy or runny nose.
According to the Department of Health and Social Care, you should work from home if you can and avoid contact with other people if you are experiencing these symptoms.
It is especially important to avoid close contact with anyone you know who may be at higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they catch COVID-19.
If you must leave your home, you should wear a face covering and avoid crowded or poorly ventilated places.
If you receive a positive COVID-19 test, you are also advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days from the day you took your test.
However, for 10 days after the day you had your test, you should avoid meeting people at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
