COVID-19 Business Update

We wanted to make sure we keep you updated on work happening to support the community across Swindon to keep each other safe during COVID-19.

Last Friday, Swindon joined seven other local authority areas on the Government’s ‘areas of concern’ watchlist following the publication of data for the week up to 02 August.

We all need to do everything we can to contain the virus and prevent a community spread of COVID-19 and the prospect of local lockdown measures.

This is a fast evolving situation that we are closely monitoring, working alongside central government. The latest case data shows that the majority of new confirmed cases are among residents living in the SN1 and SN2 postcodes.

So, working with partners, we are stepping up our efforts to support communities in these areas across this week, delivering information to households and engaging with community leaders.

Below are the steps you can take as businesses to help support the effort to prevent COVID-19 spreading in Swindon.

Sign up to our business outbreak management webinars

Our Director of Public Health, Steve Maddern, will be hosting online sessions to talk directly to businesses about Swindon's current position, how businesses can manage outbreaks and the support available from the Council and partners. There will also be the opportunity to ask any questions you have.

Details of when the sessions are being held can be found below, along with links to book on:

• Book here for Thursday 20 August 1pm - 2pm 
• Book here for Wednesday 26 August 5pm - 6pm 

What to do if your staff test positive or have symptoms of COVID-19

Below is some key information around what employers need to do if staff develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. We are aware of staff going into workplaces displaying symptoms so please be vigilant and encourage compliance with guidance. By responding swiftly to cases, we can work together to manage the spread and minimise the impact on the local community. 

One of my employees has developed symptoms, what do I do? 

If an employee develops symptoms, they should isolate straight away and complete a test as soon as possible. Their contacts in the workplace do not need to go into self-isolation at this point. They can find out more about booking a test on the NHS website. 

As an employer, you can also find out about the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme on the Government's website.

One of my employees has tested positive for COVID-19, what should I do?

Please contact the Swindon Public Health team’s COVID-19 Response Unit by email if a single positive case is identified: [email protected]. 

There's an outbreak (two or more confirmed cases within a few days of each other) in my workplace, what do I need to do? 

The employer must contact the regional health protection team at Public Health England on 0300 303 8162 who will coordinate the response to the outbreak.

Answers to more FAQs on outbreaks in the workplace

Issuing advice to staff around travel to work

Recent outbreaks have shown a major cause of transmission is sharing vehicles to and from work. You can help prevent this from becoming an issue in your workplace by:

• Reminding staff on the Government guidance around car sharing
• Avoid any type of round robin pick ups in mini-vans, buses or other similar vehicles 

Advice for your staff about holidaying

Please remind your staff of the following advice about travelling and going on holiday:

• If you develop symptoms, do not travel. Arrange for yourself to have a test
• If you have been a close contact of a positive case, you must not travel until you complete the full 14 days self-isolation, even if you have a negative test
• If you develop symptoms at any time when you are away, please self-isolate and arrange a test immediately

If you do go away, please remember at all times:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Cover your face in enclosed or crowded spaces
• Stay more than 2m away from other people

Resources available to help you manage any outbreaks

You can download an early outbreak management action card for your business sector. This card, developed by Public Health England, provides key steps that business owners or operators should take to quickly identify and contain a potential outbreak.

Visit our website to download your action card

Top tips to keep your staff safe

There are a number of things you can do to prevent outbreaks in your workplace:

• Make sure your work spaces are COVID-secure
• Remind employees to social distance both in and outside of the workplace. This includes in social spaces and smoking areas
• Encourage staff to self-isolate and book a test as soon as they have any symptoms
• Remind staff if they do have symptoms not to come in to work