Following the government’s latest announcement the UK will be placed in a national lockdown from Thursday 5th November to Wednesday 2nd December. However, unlike during the previous lockdown, schools will remain open this time around. 

With this being said, it is now more important than ever that you follow the government’s guidelines and self-isolate, if you need to, in order to prevent the spread of the virus. 

The NHS advises that you should self-isolate if:

• Have symptoms of the coronavirus such as a high temperature, continuous cough or loss/change to your sense of smell or taste

• You’ve tested positive for coronavirus 

• You live with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive 

• Someone in your support bubble has symptoms or has tested positive 

• You are told to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace or NHS COVID 19 app

• You arrive in the UK from a country with a high coronavirus risk

What to do if you have to self isolate

If any of the above scenarios apply to you then you must get in touch and let your Smile consultant know immediately. We can then inform and advise any schools that you have worked in of the measures they will need to put in place. Should you be ill this also means that we won’t bother you while you are recovering! 

How to self isolate 

The NHS states that when self-isolating you must not leave home. This means that you may not work in schools or elsewhere during this period. 

As advised by the government, you must also not use public transport, go to the shops, allow visitors into your home or go out to exercise.

How long to self isolate for

If you have symptoms or have tested positive, you’ll need to isolate for 10 days. 

However, you may be required to isolate for 14 days if:

• Someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive

• Someone in your support bubble has symptoms or tested positive

• You've been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace

Payment during self-isolation

This is the decision of the individual school you have been working at, your Smile consultant will speak to the school and confirm with you directly. 

As and when the Government guidance is updated or changed, we will endeavour to update our staff as quickly as possible. If anyone has any concerns or questions that we have not covered, then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team who will be more than happy to assist you. You can also refer to our COVID-19 Code of Conduct.