Test negative and you can stay at work even if you have been pinged, says ACS

The advice, issued today, includes the suggestion that stores observe a clear distinction between staff advised to isolate by the NHS app and those told to self-isolate by the NHS Test & Trace Service after 19 July.

The advice after being pinged by the app is to get a lateral flow test immediately for as many staff as possible and for those who test negative, carry on as normal. For those who test positive, isolate until Covid-19 can be confirmed with a PCR test.

This approach is possible because the requirement to isolate by the app is advisory, not a legal requirement.

An instruction to self-isolate by NHS Test & Trace is different and does have legal backing, so any staff told to self isolate by them must do so.

Additionally, all this advice is conditional on no symptoms being shown. Anybody who has symptoms should isolate immediately and take a PCR test.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Retailers are confused and frustrated with the lack of clarity over the rules on isolation, with many fearing the worst as more of their staff are pinged by the app.

“We have been pressing for workable advice from government which we can amplify and explain to retailers, but as this has not been provided we are having to come up with our own advice to try to find a way through this emergency situation.

“The key to successfully identifying those who have Covid-19 is regular testing, and yet the Government is stopping the provision of free tests to businesses on 19 July.

“We are urging the Government to rethink this and allow businesses to order tests free of charge at least through the summer while infection rates are rising. Colleagues can get tests directly from GOV.UK”

The ACS has previously written to Business Minister Paul Scully, urging the Government to bring forward the date when under 18s and those who have had two doses of the vaccine would be exempt from isolating if in close contact with someone with Covid-19.

Currently, the rules are set to come into force on 16 August.

The letter also pressed for clarity on the status of face coverings in stores.

Lowman said: “For stores in England, the requirement to wear a face covering will become a recommendation on Monday.

“We are advising stores to keep signage in store reminding people of the benefits of face coverings, as well as considering keeping other distancing measures like Perspex screens and traffic light systems at the door to limit the number of customers.”

More detailed guidance on what retailers should do from 19 July is available via acs.org.uk/advice/covid-19-coronavirus