The Government has updated its test and trace guidance in response to the new Omicron variant.

The guidance includes:

• Changes to self-isolation requirements for contacts of people who have been identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of coronavirus (COVID-19).
• These contacts must stay at home and self-isolate even if they are fully vaccinated or aged under 18 years and 6 months. The public health advice for people with symptoms of, or a positive test result for COVID-19 remains the same for everyone.

As with other workplaces and organisations, voluntary and community groups should also consider this guidance when risk assessing activities and services and communicate this to staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.

• Read the full guidance here.
• This is also reflected in the updated guidance ‘Safe and Effective Volunteering during Coronavirus’