Leaving home whilst doing support work protocol
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This page describes protocol, or, how to do things with QueerCare. You should check how to read protocol well if you're new to QueerCare.
This page is specific to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our covid protocol still focuses on somewhat older science relating to droplet transmission. We are currently reviewing this. It will be updated rapidly.
Contents
When to leave home
The government's list of acceptable reasons to leave home includes
- ‘to travel for the purposes of work or to provide voluntary or charitable services’, where it is not reasonably possible to provide these from home
- 'to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person'
- 'to obtain basic necessities for vulnerable persons' (1)
You should be leaving home to carry out care and advocacy work as well as other work that keeps the organisation functioning only if it cannot be done at home.
What to do before leaving home
- Decide whether it is essential to leave home in order to carry out the work you need to do
- Check if you are well enough to leave home and to carry out the work.
- If travelling by public transport, check the relevant journey planner well ahead of time
- You should prepare to justify leaving home to law enforcement, including gathering appropriate proof of the work you plan on doing/are coming back from (without breaking confidentiality)
- Consider checking in with a buddy or group so that your whereabouts are known
- If you need to take a physical buddy with you, try to make it someone from your household; otherwise, rely on a "virtual buddy" to check in with via phone or text
- Prepare any PPE (personal protective equipment) needed
What to do whilst out
- You must follow social distancing guidelines, keeping 2 metres away from anyone that is not in your household
- Try to avoid contact with surfaces if possible to reduce chance of transmission
- Avoid travelling in groups of more than two, unless it is essential for the work you are carrying out
- Limit the time you spend outside
- If you're using a virtual buddy, check in with them occasionally to let them know you're okay and to keep yourself accountable (protocol on this coming soon)
What to do after returning home
- Check in again to ensure it is known that you have returned home
- Follow any disinfecting and/or hygiene routines or procedures in your household
References
(1) The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020