Requests for certification of absence from the workplace relating to covid-19 may fall into five categories:
1. Symptomatic so isolating for seven days
Patients can and should self-certify for the first seven days as normal if they are unfit to work. They do not need to contact their GP. They can also obtain an isolation note from NHS111
2. Symptomatic and remaining unwell for over seven days
If they remain unwell and unfit to work after seven days, the current advice is to visit www.111.nhs.uk where there is an online self-assessment tool.They do not need to contact their GP for a certificate but you can advise patients to use the template form below. They can also obtain an isolation note from NHS111
3. Household contact symptoms so isolating for fourteen days as per government advice - please direct patients to NHS111 to obtain an isolation note
4. At risk group so following government advice -Where they do become unwell during or after this time, point 1 and 2 applies. They do not need to contact their GP.
5. Those in full time education who are symptomatic or requiring self-isolation.
There is no NHS requirement to issue certification to schools or colleges to confirm absence. These organisations must work with parents and students to ensure that any absence is appropriately recorded, obviating the need for a ‘doctor’s note’. They do not need to contact their GP.
The current Government Guidance for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19) states;
“By law, medical evidence is not required for the first 7 days of sickness. After 7 days, employers may use their discretion around the need for medical evidence if an employee is staying at home.
We strongly suggest that employers use their discretion around the need for medical evidence for a period of absence where an employee is advised to stay at home either as they are unwell themselves, or live with someone who is, in accordance with the public health advices issued by the government.”
Please click he following link
Downloadable sick note (MED3)
https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note/
Advice for asthma patients
https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/
Advice for Diabetic patients
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus
Advice on social distancing for all patients
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
Advice on shielding for VERY high risk patients
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19?fbclid=IwAR2et_lvxM685h6vZ4HgLUvly_QZmAUng-TN-L5SNpV07fKj3TY0Ha7V_IE%20
Please see list of Knaresborough businesses who are willing to deliver food.
List of Knaresborough businesses delivering food
Hear to Help
Do you need a moment to talk?
Hear to Help is a helpline providing support and advice to those who are feeling anxious or struggling with their emotional wellbeing around the COVID-19 outbreak.
Available to children, young people and adults across the Harrogate District, 8.00am - 8.00pm, seven days a week.
Hear to Help is a service provided by Just ‘B’, part of Saint Michael’s Hospice.
Calls are charged at local rates and may vary dependent on time of day and/or even be included in within your call package. Please visit Ofcom for further details.
Call on (01423) 856 799
Click here for a copy of the above information (PDF, 274KB)