Businesses and employees asked to report Covid-19 concerns

Posted on by Nicy Morgan

NHS Coronavirus stay alert to stay safe poster

There has been a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in Sandwell in recent weeks. This has be partly driven by outbreaks in workplaces.

Lisa McNally, Sandwell Council’s director for public health, said: “We need businesses to let us know if they have two or more cases of COVID-19 among their workforce. We can help to prevent a larger outbreak. If businesses delay in letting us know then outbreaks can become out of control and the business may need to close.

“Businesses should also contact us is they need advice on how to prevent coronavirus infection in the workplace. We can offer a telephone or on-site visit and really help them make their workplace COVID safe.

“Business owners can get in touch at PHCovid19_Enquiries@sandwell.gov.uk or by calling the Healthy Sandwell team at 0800 011 4656.

“If employees are concerned about COVID cases or prevention at their workplace they can also contact us at the details above.  Obviously, anything they tell us will be treated in confidence and they can remain anonymous if they wish.”

Councillor Maria Crompton, deputy leader for Sandwell Council wants to reinforce the message to businesses and asks for everyone to work together. She said: “We are ramping up our efforts with local businesses as these potentially hold the key to making sure we don’t get large outbreaks of Covid-19 in Sandwell.

“We need everyone to work together to stop outbreaks and I urge business owners and employees to get in touch with any concerns they have.

“It is in the interests of all businesses to contact us so we can provide the necessary help to business owners and save them from a potential closure.”

For more details about getting in touch, go to the Healthy Sandwell website.

Businesses and employees should adhere to the following advice:

  • Anyone who develops symptoms – persistent cough, temperature or loss of smell or taste – needs to immediately self-isolate for 7 days.
  • Where possible people with symptoms should be isolated from others in the household who do not have symptoms. If you develop symptoms book a test immediately online or by calling 119.
  • Avoid any unnecessary interaction with people from outside your household. Crowded environments should be avoided.
  • If you have to go out, maintain a distance of at least 1 metre (preferably 2 metres) from other people and wear a face covering.