ABHI COVID-19 Update: Key Worker Status
This morning, the Government has published guidance for schools, colleges and local authorities following the announcement that schools will be closed from Monday 23 March to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Read more.
The guidance states that schools should continue to provide provision for the children of parents who have roles that are “critical to the COVID-19 response” or those who work “as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributers of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment”. The full section on Health and Social Care staff reads as follows:
Health and social care
This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributers of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.
The guidance states that, “If workers think they fall within the critical categories above they should confirm with their employer that, based on their business continuity arrangements, their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service.”
We know that this issue was of particular importance to members who need to ensure that the production and supply of HealthTech continues. As such, we have produced a short template letter which you may wish to use to inform conversations with your children’s school, college and local authority.