Covid cases accelerate among working age population throughout Milton Keynes

Over the past week, two outbreaks of the virus have been reported in workplaces in MK.

Both are described as "moderate" outbreaks, involving several staff. But both have had a significant impact on the businesses involved, says MK Council.

A spokesman said: "Local cases of the virus continue to rise, and cases within the working age population are now beginning to accelerate.

"We are asking local businesses to remain vigilant and ensure they are aware of the steps they must follow if employees test positive for Covid-19."

Employers in MK must report confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the workforce by contacting the Public Health England Health Protection Team on 0300 303 8537 or email [email protected] and also notifying Milton Keynes Council via the online form.

The council’s Deputy Director of Public Health Oliver Mytton said: “The winter months will be difficult so local efforts to prevent the spread of the virus are critical. We know workplaces can be the source of outbreaks and this must remain an area of focus.

"I am urging local businesses to continue following the guidance and maintaining the important measures that will minimise the risk of this virus spreading."

Mr Mytton added: My colleagues in Public Health and Environmental Health are here to provide support and guidance should an outbreak of Covid-19 occur in the workplace. We will work with those businesses to reduce the risk of further transmission by identifying close contacts, and any further control measures required on site. It’s really important that we can reduce the negative impact on local businesses and help control the virus in our community.”

Milton Keynes Council has developed a downloadable employee wellbeing toolkit to help employers support their staff during this time.

Employers must take the right precautions for their workforce in order to protect staff from unnecessary risks. These include:

* Encouraging workers who can do so effectively to work from home during the winter

* Social distancing measures and appropriate signage within the workplace

* Preventative measures such as the need for staff and visitors/customers to wear face coverings (depending on the individual business in line with national guidance)

* Consideration for those employees at higher clinical risk

The UK Government is regularly updating its latest information and advice webpage. Further information and support on how to manage a positive or suspected case of Covid-19 in the workplace can be found on the MKC workplace health webpages.

The government has also launched a new Self isolation Service Hub. This is a telephone line for employers and establishments to provide to NHS Test & Trace with a list of people who have been identified as contacts of a case of Covid in their establishment, and therefore who must self-isolate.

Employers should call 020 3743 6715 following each positive case in their establishment because all contacts identified are then formally logged with NHS Test & Trace.

Without the NHS Test & Trace reference, they cannot receive financial support and will not receive formal notification that they have been identified as a contact of a confirmed case.