28 February 2022

Covid update - 25 February

England and Scotland  

This week, we issued this Covid-19 update to all members in England and Scotland. It provides an update on NHS and government guidance, including how to access grants in Scotland for ventilation enhancement.

Members should also not the following Covid specific updates:

Scotland

The Scottish Government has published this letter advising:

• Healthcare workers to continue following IPC measures
• Patient-facing primary care staff to reduce the frequency of their LFD testing from daily to twice weekly.

Northern Ireland

A reminder that all legally binding Covid-19 restrictions are now guidance only in Northern Ireland. The health minister has also confirmed the "importance of wearing face coverings in health and social care settings". Members should continue to follow IPC guidance for healthcare settings.

Wales

The Welsh Government has put its Covid-10 alert level at 0.  Its guidance states

• From 28 February face coverings will only be legally required in retail, public transport and health and care settings.

There is also detailed guidance about the law regarding level 0, which covers retail premises and close contact services. However, primary eye care providers should continue to follow IPC measures for healthcare settings and the College of Optometrists' guidance.

ROI

This week The Association of Eye Care Providers of Ireland also issued this Covid-19 update, which explains what is changing in Ireland and when.