COVID-19: NHS staff could be exempted from self-isolation rules when restrictions lift July 19 | UK News

NHS staff may soon be exempt from coronavirus self-isolation requirements.

Downing Street said on Friday that before the Stage 4 restrictions were lifted on July 19, officials were reviewing whether NHS staff could be released from the requirement to self-isolate under any circumstances.

This includes if they are “pinged” by the coronavirus app or contacted by the central Test and Trace service after being identified as a contact of a person who tested positive.

Under current plans, those who are fully vaccinated will be able to forgo the mandatory 10 days of self-isolation after August 16.

But it could be put forward for double-pricked NHS staff and could arrive as early as July 19, as leaders warned of the large backlog of non-COVID conditions that will only worsen if staff are at home.

NHS Providers chief executive Chris Hopson said on Thursday staff levels were affected due to staff self-isolation.

And on Friday, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson, when asked if there could be a specific exemption for NHS staff, said: ‘This is something we are looking at ahead of Step 4 , but we would obviously need to submit all updates in the usual way. “

However, Sky News understands the plan is yet to be approved and ministers want to review the evidence to make sure it would be safe.

The number of exposure alerts sent to app users in England has climbed more than 60% in one week, according to the latest contact tracing figures.

And that has led to a plea for the public not to remove the app.

The number 10 spokesperson said the app had been an “important tool” in breaking the chain of transmission for the coronavirus.

“The Prime Minister has made it clear that he continues to use it,” the spokesperson said.

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