The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has recommended a reduction of physical distancing from 2 metres to 1 metre In hospitals in order to reduce the pressure on the NHS
The agency is also recommending removing the need for a negative PCR and 3 days self-isolation before selected elective procedures.
Selected patients in low risk groups who are fully vaccinated, asymptomatic, with a negative lateral flow test on the day of their procedure will no longer need to have a negative PCR and isolate for 3 days.
Patients who are contacts of a confirmed case of Covid will still need to go through the current PCR pathway.
It also advises the Re-adopting of standard rather than enhanced cleaning procedures.
Enhanced cleaning can be discontinued in agreed low risk areas such as planned or scheduled elective care and providers can revert to standard cleaning procedures between patients.
Dr Jenny Harries, UKHSA Chief Executive, said:
We have reviewed the existing COVID-19 IPC evidence-based guidance and made a series of initial pragmatic recommendations on how local providers can start to safely remove some of the interventions that have been in place in elective care specifically for COVID-19.
This is a first step to help the NHS treat more patients more quickly, while ensuring their safety and balancing their different needs for care.
