ABDO and the College of Optometrists have issued a joint statement following the prime minister’s announcement this week, on removing all remaining Covid-19 legal restrictions from tomorrow, Thursday 24 February.
This is distinct from the UK wide infection prevention and control guidance for health and care settings, which should continue to be followed.
Self-isolation requirements and return to work criteria for health and care staff in England currently still apply and NHS England has confirmed it will be writing to contractors to confirm this in the coming days.
Optometry practices and staff should continue to follow the College’s Amber guidance and FAQs to maintain high standards of infection control to keep staff and patients safe from the continued risk of Covid – albeit a reduced risk.
The optical bodies are in contact with NHS England and the Health Security Agency to determine when any planned changes to self-isolation requirements and asymptomatic testing for primary care settings in England, including optometry practices and staff, will be published.
They are also developing guidance to transition to the Green phase as the UK “learns to live with Covid-19”, and will continue to keep members updated of any future changes to their Covid-19 guidance.
Practitioners with any questions or concerns relating to Covid-19 guidance should contact the College of Optometrists’ clinical advice service or email ABDO Policy at policy@abdo.org.uk
Visit the ABDO Covid-19 guidance pages here.