Dear Agency Worker,

RE: NOVEL CORONAVIRUS - ADVICE FOR AGENCY STAFF

This letter adds to the Latest Information and Advice for Agency Workers sent on 2 March 2020. The key changes are to expand the case definition to include those presenting with certain symptoms, regardless of travel history.

To improve case detection in those with no geographic link, if you present symptoms as indicated below and you are not sure if you have been exposed, please contact the NHS111 for further advice:

• Clinical or radiological evidence of pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome

• Influenza-like illness

• Shortness of breath or cough (with or without fever)

• OR fever with no other symptoms

Individuals who may have been in contact with those with a confirmed case:

You are reminded of your duty to immediately inform us of any COVID-19 (Coronavirus) exposure that you might have had and if you do develop symptoms, you should use NHS111 online at 111.nhs.uk (if you have no internet access, you should call NHS111).

Additional Infection Control Precaution

We would recommend that all staff do not travel in their uniform, rather to wear civilian/plain clothing and once you arrive at the client/service user premises to change into uniform after sanitising in accordance to general infection control protocol. Please ensure your uniforms are regularly laundered, certainly for each and every shift. As usual please adhere to all client requests.

If you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact your consultant or email oh@a24group.com 

Yours sincerely
A24 Group Compliance Team