13 August 2021

Covid update - 13 August

Self-isolation following Covid positive contact

The College is updating its information on forthcoming Government advice on self-isolation exemption rules and what they mean for optical practices.
 
England: From 16 August 2021, those who are fully vaccinated (with a minimum of 14 days after the second dose) will be exempt from self-isolation if they are advised that they have been in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case.
 
Scotland: From 9 August 2021, those who are fully vaccinated (with a minimum of 14 days after the second dose) and those under 18 years old are exempt from self-isolation if they are advised that they have been in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case and provided they have had a negative PCR test result.
 
Wales: From 7 August, those who are fully vaccinated (with a minimum of 14 days after the second dose) and those under 18 years old are exempt from self-isolation if they are advised that they have been in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case.
 
Northern Ireland: From 16 August 2021, those who are fully vaccinated (with a minimum of 14 days after the second dose) will be exempt from self-isolation if they are advised that they have been in close contact with a positive Covid-19 case. They are still advised to take an additional PCR Covid test on day 2 and day 8 of the process. If the result is positive, they will need to self-isolate.*
 
In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, individuals meeting the above criteria can end isolation and return to work provided infection prevention and control procedure are followed in line with the College of Optometrists Amber Phase guidance.     
 
We advise members to continue to check your national government website regularly for the latest local information. 

Covid vaccines for 16 & 17 year-olds confirmed

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid has confirmed that 16 & 17 year-olds will be offered the Covid-19 vaccine. Those already eligible for vaccination include individuals aged 12 to 15 with severe neuro-disabilities, Down's Syndrome, immunosuppression and multiple or severe learning disabilities. Also eligible are people in this age group who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals. 

Three-quarters of the UK now jabbed

More than 75% of UK adults have now received two Covid-19 jabs. According to the latest figures, 39,688,566 people have received both doses, while seven million have had one jab. Read the story.

Herd immunity "not possible" with Delta variant
 
The Oxford Vaccine Group says herd immunity is "not a possibility" because the Delta variant still spreads fast and infects fully vaccinated people. The Group's director, Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, told a parliamentary panel on Coronavirus that "anyone still unvaccinated at some point will meet the virus". Find out more.