Illness, including Covid, at Accessible Arts and Media

Update 3nd July 2023

General Covid restrictions have reduced across the country, which means there is very limited mask-wearing, testing and social distancing. However, we are very aware that the spread of illness in general, including Covid, is still a risk for staff and participants. 

We are doing the following to prevent the spread of Covid and contagious diseases

Staff will take a lateral flow test before going to a project. If the test is positive, then they will stay at home. After 7 days they will test again and will do one of the following:

  • If they don’t have symptoms and a negative test, they will return as normal.
  • If they don’t have symptoms and have a positive test, they will wear a mask.
  • If they have symptoms and are positive, they will stay home.
  • If they have symptoms but are negative, they will wear a mask and distance themselves as much as possible. 
  • If the member of staff has a contagious illness, such as a stomach bug, or shingles, for example, they will stay at home until they are no longer contagious. Advice from their GP or NHS will be sought regarding how long they are considered contagious.
  • If the member of staff has an illness that isn’t contagious, they will wear a mask and distance themselves as much as possible. 
  • Hand sanitiser and spray will be available in all sessions. Hands will be sanitised, and instruments and resources will be sprayed between uses. 
  • Staff will carry out a full risk assessment prior to each session. This will include any Covid-related tasks.
  • Staff will have a first aid kit on them but will ask your supporter to carry out any first aid. 
  • There will be spare PPE and hand sanitiser at all sessions in case you need them. 

What we are asking you to do: 

  • If you have tested positive for Covid, let us know and please stay at home. 
  • If you have a contagious illness, let us know and please stay at home. 
  • Please use the sanitiser on instruments and resources after you have finished using them. 

If you have any questions about our illness guidance, please do speak to us. It’s important to us that everyone feels safe when attending our projects.