Masks, Travel, Fit to Fly & Sick Notes

Wear A Mask, Help Reduce the Spread

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZtEX2-n2Hc 

Face Mask Exemption Statement

Government guidance regarding exemptions suggests there is no requirement for an individual to produce evidence of exemption, such as a letter from a GP and therefore should be sufficient for an individual to self-declare this. In these circumstances, it is not a medical reason that requires a written letter from the GP for those who do or do not, fall under the list of exemptions.

Guidance on specific circumstances

• gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#exemptions-face-coverings
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

GPs will continue to ensure that the healthcare needs of their patients continue to be met in accordance with NHS and Government guidance.

We hope that this guidance provides some reassurance for patients on this issue.

Re Face Mask Exemption

The government guidance suggests there is no requirement for evidence for exemption. It should be sufficient for someone to declare that they are eligible for an exemption direct with the person questioning them.

In line with government guidelines Practices are not required to provide letters of support for those who fall under the list of exemptions, or to those who do not fall under the list of exemptions.

You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to. This includes:

• • children under the age of 11 (Public Health England does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
  • people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
  • where putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
  • if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
  • to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others ‒ including if it would negatively impact on your ability to exercise or participate in a strenuous activity
  • police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public 

  There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering when asked:

  • if asked to do so in a bank, building society, or post office for identification
  • if asked to do so by shop staff or relevant employees for identification, for assessing health recommendations (for example by a pharmacist) or for age identification purposes, including when buying age restricted products such as alcohol
  • if required in order to receive treatment or services, for example when getting a facial
  • in order to take medication
  • if you are delivering a sermon or prayer in a place of worship
  • if you are the persons getting married in a relevant place
  • if you are undertaking exercise or an activity and it would negatively impact your ability to do so
  • if you are an elite sports person, professional dancer or referee acting in the course of your employment
  • when seated to eat or drink in a hospitality premise such as a pub, bar, restaurant or cafe. You must put a face covering back on once you finish eating or drinking

Also See: Public Health & Transport

Covid-19 Vaccine Proof to Travel

IT IS NOT OUR POLICY TO PROVIDE PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINE FOR TRAVEL PURPOSES.

The government website provides guidance for those planning to travel abroad.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

We do not provide 'fit to fly' letters for Covid-19

Travel advice is changing; the government website provides guidance for those planning to travel abroad.

http://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

 As your GP practice, it is not our policy to issue COVID-19 certificates for international travel purposes.

SICK NOTE REQUESTS

Due to these unprecedented circumstances, we have been receiving lots of requests for sick notes for people who are self-isolating for coronavirus,  the practice will not provide a medical certificate for these patients but you can download the sick note below to self-certifcate.  MED3_Form DRHC.pdf

Temporary change to fit notes 20th December 2021

For Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), where employees go off sick on or after 10 December 2021, employers can only ask employees for proof of sickness (such as a fit note) after 28 days of sickness (including non-working days). Proof of sickness cannot be requested earlier than 28 days.

Fit notes do not have to be provided for DWP benefit claims until 27 January. This will not affect claims to benefit.

These changes are to give GP’s more time to work on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) booster programme.

For more information please see: Gov.UK/Sick_Notes