By Buckinghamshire Council

As cases of COVID-19 are rising, this is a reminder that regular rapid home testing using lateral flow tests (LFTs) can help identify people who are infected but do not have symptoms, and prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Free home test kits can be ordered online here.

They are also available for collection from some pharmacies, from Buckinghamshire Council Access Points and some community libraries. Find a full list here with opening times.

Risk assessments

The Health and Safety Executive has provided guidance and templates of risk assessments to help businesses manage their particular workplace risks.

Help your staff through periods of self-isolation

Employers can also protect their customers, colleagues and their business by supporting staff if they need to self-isolate.

Recent research shows that people of working age do not always complete their self-isolation period. If one of your staff needs to self-isolate and is unable to get help from friends and family, there is a range of support available for practical, social and emotional needs.

This includes arranging for shopping to be delivered online, by contacting the National Responders Service to check eligibility for help with practical tasks and wellbeing; and using the Medical Delivery Service to have prescriptions delivered - please check locally for participating pharmacies or GP surgeries.

Buckinghamshire has many local volunteer organisations and charities that can help. More information for support in your local area can be found through Bucks Online Directory.

Helping Hand service

There is also additional support from Buckinghamshire Council’s Helping Hand service, who can provide a range of support including emergency access to food and other essential supplies, signposting for financial difficulties such as paying for fuel and other bills, and access to mental wellbeing services.

Learn more about the Helping Hand service >

Discover more help for those self-isolating here >.

Stay up to date on the latest guidelines

Keep up to date with the latest government guidelines on self-isolating by visiting the NHS website - the rules can change quite quickly so it’s always worth checking regularly.

If you’re required to self-isolate in line with the latest guidance, please play your part. Follow the advice from NHS Test and Trace to keep your family, friends, neighbours and others safe. It's a legal requirement to self-isolate if you are told to by NHS Test and Trace, and not following the rules could result in a fine.

Article by Buckinghamshire Council