The roll-out of the UK’s vaccine programme has been nothing short of remarkable but we must be especially careful not to let our guard down at the present moment.  As highlighted in a recent article in Energy Voice (link) the 5 key principles, which have served the off-shore industry so well, remain pertinent and are applicable in a wider context:

Get tested: Premobilisation testing remains central to limiting transmission in remote environments – such as in the North Sea but is equally relevant to overseas travel.

Understand the limits of testing: While testing is a highly effective contributor to virus protection, it is not fool proof. Occasional false negatives will arise with any test and we carefully monitor all tests to identify and highlight abnormal patterns.

Stay in your bubble: Remember that a negative test is not the same as immunity. There is a great risk of post-test infection if individuals enter a non-Covid secure environment after testing. Returning home or going back to the hotel in the event of delayed flights, for example, opens the individual up to catching a highly opportunistic and infectious virus.

Beware in-transit transmission: Squeeze points through which many people pass, can result in virus transmission from handrails, doors and other surfaces. That’s why personal hygiene – handwashing, sanitising, facemasks – and rigorous and regular disinfection/deep cleaning of premises is essential.

Keep vigilant: Sticking rigidly to good habits like social distancing,  washing hands, sanitising, and wearing masks may be frustrating but it is potentially lifesaving.

By staying aware and staying vigilant we can help prevent the spread of the virus accross a variety of settings