As we move into the Autumn and Winter the risk of respiratory infections increases. This is exemplified by the latest variant of COVID-19, with the number of cases and hospitalisations increasing in recent weeks and the booster vaccination programme being brought forward.

It is, therefore, timely to ensure we continue to follow good practices to keep ourselves, each other and our loved ones safe, including:

• Encouraging participation in vaccination programmes, including those for flu and COVID, where appropriate.
• Ensuring workplaces are adequately ventilated, letting fresh air into a building helps to stop viruses spreading.
• Keeping workplaces clean, particularly in common areas such as kitchens and toilets.
• Providing sufficient cleaning products including soap and water and hand sanitizer helps reduce the spread of infection.
• Maintaining good personal hygiene.

Managers and Supervisors are encouraged to ensure our workplaces implement the good practices included in the UK Health Security Agency Brief Guide “Reducing spread of respiratory infections and COVID-19 at work”, Link: Reducing spread of respiratory infections and COVID-19 at work (publishing.service.gov.uk)