Covid-19 Hub

Across the UK there have been updates to restrictions, which include guidance around working so please do take the time to look at the updates that are applicable to you.

You may make individual decisions to work in the room with a client if you do it is important to ensure the necessary precautions and risk mitigation measures are implemented.

Please read the section on 'Face to Face Hypnotherapy - Updated Guidance' section further down the page if you would like further support and guidance on offering in-the-room therapy.

Northern Ireland - many coronavirus restrictions have eased but regulations and guidance remain in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

• Working face to face is possible under the guidelines where it is necessary for work and precautions are implemented.
• people are advised to continue working from home where possible
• face coverings remain mandatory within indoor public settings, hospitality and on public transport
• workplaces not required to close can continue to operate but must follow social distancing and workplace safety guidance

You can find further information here:

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/ar...

England has moved to step 4 this means that most legal restrictions have been lifted.

• The government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can.
• The requirement to wear face coverings in law has been lifted. However, the government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport.
• You do not need to stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with. There are also no limits on the number of people you can meet. However, you should limit the close contact you have with those you do not usually live with, and increase close contact gradually. This includes minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts. You should meet outdoors where possible and let fresh air into homes or other enclosed spaces.

You can find further information here:

Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Scotland has moved out of the COVID-19 levels system, and is now beyond Level 0. Advice is that everyone should continue to act carefully and remain cautious.

• people will continue to be advised to work from home 'where possible'
• face coverings are compulsory on public transport and inside places like shops
• travel restrictions will continue

You can find further information here:

https://www.gov.scot/coronavir...

Wales is now at alert level 0.

• providing face to face services remains possible, though businesses and individuals should continue to implement any necessary precautions.
• remove legal restrictions on the number of people who can meet indoors, including in private homes, public places or at events.
• all businesses and premises can open.
• people should still work from home wherever possible.
• face coverings will remain a legal requirement indoors, with the exception of hospitality premises. This will be kept under review.

You can find further information here:

https://gov.wales/coronavirus

We have previously shared The Department of Health and Social Care's (DHSC) guidance in relation to the Covid-19 guidance and regulations for England. They updated the guide on 16 August. Personal care services provided for medical and health treatment may continue. The guidance on safer working in Close Contact Services should be followed:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wo...

The UK Government continues to advise that we work from home where possible. However, the rules around indoor gatherings have relaxed, now allowing up to six people or two households.

The Society's advice to members is to continue to offer services remotely where it is possible to do so, in line with Government advice emphasising personal responsibility rather than government rules. Instead of instructing you to stay 2m apart from anyone you don’t live with, you are encouraged to exercise caution and consider the guidance on risks associated with COVID-19 and actions you can take.

Members may make individual decisions to work in the room with a client.

Point 47 on page 32 of the Health Protection Regulations 2020, under businesses permitted to remain open, lists services relating to mental health.

This is reiterated by the Government's advice that support that is essential to deliver in person, where formally organised to provide therapy, can be allowed to continue. This includes support to victims of crime, people in drug and alcohol recovery, new parents and guardians, people with long-term illnesses, people facing issues relating to their sexuality or gender, and those who have suffered bereavement.

Please read the section on Face to Face Hypnotherapy - Updated Guidance if you would like further support and guidance on offering in-the-room therapy.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has provided some guidance in relation to the Covid-19 guidance and regulations for England which was published the on the 4th of January:

• Personal care services provided for medical and health treatment may continue. The guidance on safer working in Close Contact Services should be followed: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/close-contact-services
• Where applicable, practitioners should also take into account any guidance issued by the healthcare regulators or a relevant professional body.
• The Government cannot provide comments on individual cases of whether or not a business is permitted to open. It is for each business to assess whether they are a business required to close having considered the Regulations and guidance on business closures: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/closing-certain-businesses-and-venues-in-england#businesses-permitted-to-remain-open

The UK Government currently advises that we work from home where possible. The Society's advice to members is to continue to offer services remotely where it is possible to do so. It is important to remember that COVID-19, although apparently past its current peak of infection rates, is still an incurable, transmissable and potentially fatal illness.
Members may make individual decisions to work face to face if they consider that it is not possible to work remotely with a client. Decisions should take into account:

• the heath risk factors for yourself and your client, especially those connected with age, pre-existing health conditions, and so on.
• your ability to create and maintain an appropriately socially distanced and hygienic space for face to face client work.
• the risks to yourself and your client in travelling to and from your clinic space.
• your ability to understand whether you and your client should instead self-isolate, for example, if either of you or anyone living with you has developed potential symptoms of COVID-19.
• That you continue to be aware of Government guidelines and are up to date with them.
• that alternative ways of conducting your client sessions, or postponing their sessions, are not possible or detrimental to your client's wellbeing and welfare.

Taking into account the above, it is your responsibility to make an informed decision regarding face to face practice at this time. The Society recommends raising concerns with your supervisor as well as engaging with your clients as much as possible regarding this issue.

If you do need to return to working face to face, we recommend following the guidelines below, and taking all possible steps to limit the risk of exposure for both you and your client.

• When seeing clients face to face, ensure that both you and your client practice appropriate hygiene procedures before and after meeting, including hand sanitisation.
• Maintain a good distance of at least two metres from your client.
• Refrain from shaking hands and ensure you have explained to your client why this protocol is being followed.
• Refrain from other physical contact, for example, hugging a client.
• If possible, where providing tissues do not use one central box of tissues. Pre-divide tissues into portions so that different clients do not touch the same tissue boxes. Alternatively, advise clients to bring their own tissues.
• Remember to clean surfaces: phones, laptops, door handles etc, regularly.

Other things to keep in mind:

• Be prepared in case of evolving Government advice to cancel face to face counselling again for a temporary period. It is best to communicate with all clients and inform them that their sessions could be liable to postponement or disruption on a temporary basis. Where possible, offer to clients the option of continuing sessions by phone or video conferencing.
• Be aware of your clients' increased levels of stress and anxiety, and take extra self-care during the current public health crisis. If you feel overwhelmed, seek supervisor and peer support.
• Communicate with the Society when you need to and we will try to help as much as we can
• Inform clients that future sessions will be postponed if they are advised medically to self-isolate, or if they have any symptoms of a cold, cough, respiratory issues or a raised temperature.
• Inform clients that if you are diagnosed with coronavirus the NHS will require that you divulge a list of people you have come in contact with. In such circumstances you will inform the NHS of your contact with your client.
• Make sure you are prepared to communicate with clients in the event that you must self-isolate or fall ill. Rearrange appointments if you have any relevant medical symptoms.

This advice is superceded at all times by Government advice and the law and is subject to change at short notice.

For further Government advice please click here

For further NHS advice please click here

Updated During Current Lockdown Period

With the new Government guidance around localised restrictions and a tiered approach, the following are examples of ethical practice however in all cases our advice is superseded by the Government at all times.

Covid Alert Levels

Tier 1: Medium - It is ok to practice in-the-room provided that you adhere to the social distancing rules, and ensure that the room and surrounding areas (if relevant) are Covid-secure including hand sanitiser, wipes/spray etc. Nonetheless, we recommend continuing to work online where possible.
Tier 2: High - This tier involves a ban on the mixing of households indoors, so we would advise using online in every case, working face-to-face only when entirely unavoidable, and maintaining the social distancing rules and a Covid-secure environment.
Tier 3: Very High - Local Government will decide whether close contact services are allowed to remain open, however this tier asks people to avoid non-essential travel. We recommend ensuring all work is online only, and we would ask you to take advice from local authority if you feel a client is at risk from discontinuation of in-the-room work.

The Government has updated its guidance for those providing close contact services including wellness businesses, as well as well-being and holistic locations. It is likely that counselling services are included under these headings, however we are seeking further clarification around this.

You can find the guidance for England here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/close-contact-services
The guidance for Wales is here: https://gov.wales/keep-wales-safe-work#section-47135
The guidance for Scotland is here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-retail-sector-guidance/pages/close-contact-services/
The guidance for Northern Ireland is here: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/node/23151

It includes steps that will usually be needed to ensure a safe workspace, and ideas for consideration.

For guidance on working online, please read Appendix A of the Code of Ethics

We asked Howden and Balens if they are covering face to face client work for therapists at this time. Here were their answers:

Howden: Yes, provided that it is essential to work face to face and that you follow government guidelines you will be covered.

Balens: We can confirm your policies with Balens are in place to cover against any work you perform. This is subject to you adhering to government guidelines about practicing safely, and any advice you receive from your governing body/associations.

Your training school will be your primary source of information during the Coronavirus.
Trainers should make individual decisions based upon the way in which they wish to proceed during the current public health crisis. Particular care should be given that guidance given by trainers to students complies with up to date Government health guidelines. Trainers should inform the Society if they wish to modify the way in which they are offering practical training to their students.

In the event that practice hours and case studies are postponed, but other elements of the course are completed, the Society will process incomplete registration applications so that graduates are ready to have their registration activated as soon as they have completed their practical work. This will ensure there are no extra processing delays once practical work is finished.

Remember this will be a temporary issue and that training normality, if disrupted, will resume and there are lots of contingency plans for this.

For further Government advice please click here

For further NHS advice please click here