Covid-19 Templates, Risk Assessments (inc BAME)

We shall develop this page as time goes by as an evolving resource.

If you also have a template that you would like to share with others, please do let us know about it and we will upload here.

Home Working Checklist - With thanks to and courtesy of Gary Hepburn - Sirius Business Services Ltd

GP Practice Open for Business Toolkit - This document has a selection of messaging templates for practices to use and adapt to inform patients on how to access primary care and that practices are "open for business".

Face Coverings in indoor settings

From 19 July 2021, there is no longer a legal requirement to wear face coverings in indoor settings or on public transport. The full government guidance can be found here.

Lifting restrictions does not mean the risks from COVID-19 have disappeared, but at this new phase of the pandemic response we are moving to an approach that enables personal risk-based judgments.

While no situation is risk free, there are actions we can take to protect ourselves and others around us.

The government expect and recommend that members of the public continue to wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet. For example, on public transport.

Businesses, including transport operators, can also ask their employees and customers to wear face coverings. You should check with operators of services, venues, and settings that you use.

The Department for Transport has updated its guidance on safer travel for passengers.

It is important to note that Infection Prevention Control (IPC) guidance advises that patients and visitors across all healthcare settings should wear a face covering, providing it is tolerated and is not detrimental to their medical or care needs. They should also be worn in care homes to protect residents from the risk of infection.

The government guidance on exemptions says:-

You are no longer legally required to wear a face covering in any setting. Therefore you do not need to rely on an exemption if you need one.

However, you may feel more comfortable if you can show something to reflect that you’re not able to wear a face covering. For example, in circumstances where the government recommends and expects you to continue to wear face coverings such as in crowded and enclosed spaces like public transport.

If you have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering you do not need to show:

any written evidence of this
an exemption card

This means that you do not need to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about your reason for not wearing a face covering.

However, some people may feel more comfortable if they are able to show something that explains why they’re not wearing a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.

Carrying an exemption card or badge is a personal choice and is not required by law.

If you wish to use an exemption card or badge, you can download an exemption card template.

Buses

A number of bus companies have provided links on their websites for those who are exempt to download exemption passes and we have provided some links to bus operators across Wessex, below:

Blue Star

https://www.bluestarbus.co.uk/exemptions

First Group

https://www.firstgroup.com/help-and-support/coronavirus-information/face-coverings#journey-card

Salisbury Reds

https://www.salisburyreds.co.uk/exemptions

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/salisburyredscoveringexemption

Southern Vectis

https://www.islandbuses.info/face-coverings-compulsory-customers-15th-june

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/southernvectiscoveringexemption

Stagecoach

https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/national/journey-assistance-cards