As we learn to live safely with coronavirus (COVID-19), we would ask all our carers to observe the following policy at all times. If we all do so, we have the very best chance of not catching the infection ourselves and also not spreading the infection to our clients. As always, teamwork and communication is key. We are doing all we can to support you.
Please call us on 020 3970 9900 at any time for advice and support, our lines are open 24/7 for emergencies.
Symptoms of COVID-19
COVID-19 symptoms can include:
a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
shortness of breath
feeling tired or exhausted
an aching body
a headache
a sore throat
a blocked or runny nose
loss of appetite
diarrhoea
feeling sick or being sick
The symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, such as colds and flu. Most people feel better within a few days or weeks of their first COVID-19 symptoms and make a full recovery within 12 weeks. For some people, it can be a more serious illness and their symptoms can last longer.
What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have symptoms and either:
have a high temperature
do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities
You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.
What to do if you have tested positive before a placement
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please contact the office as soon as possible and:
try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days after the day you took your test
avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after the day you took your test
What happens if I contract COVID-19 on a placement
If you contract covid-19 on placement please contact the Edyn Care office straight away. A Care Manager will liaise with you about the best course of action, which in most cases would be supporting you to leave the home safely to self-isolate elsewhere. We will draw on our resources and send a replacement carer if required. We will then request that provide a negative test before returning to work.
When you show Covid-19 symptoms, you should not provide direct personal care. Personal protective equipment (PPE), barrier precautions, enhanced hand hygiene and surface decontamination are key to safety.
What happens if my client contracts COVID-19 on a placement
If your client contracts covid-19 please contact the Edyn Care office straight away. A Care Manager will liaise with you about the best course of action, which in most cases would be leasing on whether you are willing to isolate with client or not.
If you have had two Covid vaccine you no longer have to isolate if you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. Instead of having to quarantine for 10 days, you are now advised to take a PCR test. You are also advised to wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and to limit contact with others, especially the clinically vulnerable.
If you are unvaccinated you are unable to return to work unless you have been in self-isolation for 10 days and/or can provide a written document from a medical professional.
Guideline to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19
Although people of all ages can get coronavirus, those of use who are elderly or have pre existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease are at higher risk of becoming severely ill if we contract the infection. Since these categories will include many of our clients, please ensure you follow our recommendations:
Wash your hands and wrists following the instructions we have provided and also shown in this friendly two-minute video. Do so frequently, as often as you judge as reasonable, but certainly it must be the first thing you do every time you visit a customer and the last thing you do when you leave.
Use hand sanitiser when you are out and about.
Clean working surfaces as frequently as possible with the correct anti-bacterial solutions, especially in areas with a high general use.
Please, always and without exception, wear new disposable gloves and a plastic apron every time you visit a client. Doing this is perhaps the biggest single thing we can all do apart from hand washing to reduce the risk of infection. Also, don’t forget to bag and bin all used Protective Equipment.
Please wash your clothes as often as possible. This again will reduce the chance of cross infection.
Maintain good ventilation, for example keep windows and doors open, or be outside where possible.
When do I have to take a PCR test
Only if you start showing symptoms. Should you begin to display symptoms of COVID-19, please conduct either a PCR test or a rapid antigen test immediately and follow the our testing policy. You will be unable to commence or return to your care package until we receive your test result.
Will I get paid if I’m not going to work due to COVID-19
You are no longer entitled to edyn.care’s sick for self-isolation.
Travel advice for carers
Avoiding non-essential contact with others.
Keeping a safe distance of at least 2 metres from others.
Avoiding physical contact.
Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth, unless you are exempt for age, health or accessibility reasons.
Hand hygiene should be carried out before, during and after travel.
Make sure there is good ventilation in vehicle (car, bus or train).
Handovers are taking place from 1pm to 2pm, so as to help carers not having to travel at rush hours.
Carers who may have been exposed and are asked to leave their placement by their line manager, a public health authority or a medical professional.
edyn.care will ensure that travel is arranged for carer.
Maintain self-isolation until travel has been sorted.
Useful resources:
Stay up-to-date using trusted sources of information. The UK Government and the NHS will keep people informed of new advice and developments. Please check the following sources of advice frequently:
The UK coronavirus (COVID-19) page will keep you in touch with how the Government is responding.
The NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) page includes a wide range of health-related information.
If you are planning to travel abroad check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice page.
Follow Public Health England or The Department of Health and Social Care on Twitter for regular updates.