BAOT / UNISON
Being a BAOT member means you also belong to Unison and can access support and advice on workplace issues at any time .
It ’ s not too much to mask
Wearing masks does not stop anyone from living their lives . But it can help prevent infection spread and limit pressure on the NHS .
In July , the final restrictions across England were lifted and the legal requirement to wear a face mask and social distance came to an end . This decision led to leading healthcare organisations , charities , unions – including BAOT / Unison – and medical professionals joining forces to support the public to make sensible choices that can keep them and others safe from infection .
Launching a new campaign # NotTooMuchToMask , the group , led by the NHS Confederation , is encouraging everyone to keep protecting themselves and each other from catching or passing on coronavirus at a time when cases are soaring , and hospitalisations are also rising .
While the vaccination programme has been a success and has helped to reduce the link between infection , ill health and death from the disease , the campaign is warning that as COVID-19 has not been eradicated and that with many still either not vaccinated or having only had one dose , it is too early for the public to let down its guard . Millions of people are still very vulnerable to catching the infection as well as passing it on to others .
As the highly transmissible Delta variant continues to sweep across the country , the campaign encourages the public to continue to make sensible choices to help stop the virus from spreading .
Matthew Taylor , chief executive of the NHS Confederation , said : ‘ We know the vast majority of the public want to continue to do all they can to protect their fellow citizens from the danger of catching or passing on COVID-19 even after the government has lifted the final restrictions in England .
‘ As the threat of coronavirus remains , it is not too much to ask of people to continue making sensible and cautious choices on how they go about their lives if it can keep themselves and those around them safe and we are keen to show that we support and stand in solidarity with them .’
The campaign asks the public to make the following pledges to keep themselves and others safe . These are to continue : wearing a face mask or covering , including where not wearing one could make someone feel unsafe ; doing what they can to keep indoor spaces well-ventilated and opting for meeting outdoors , where possible ; cleaning their hands regularly , including before and after social contact with those outside their household ; getting tested , supporting contacttracing measures and self-isolating , when required ; and making sure they get both doses of the coronavirus vaccine and that they encourage people they know to do the same .
Dr Sarah Jarvis said : ‘ At the start of the pandemic , we had no idea that COVID-19 could be transmitted so effectively through aerosol spread – just breathing out . At the time , I was sceptical about face coverings on the basis of the evidence . But as the science has progressed , it has become increasingly clear that face coverings can greatly reduce the risk of passing the virus on to others .’
Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard , chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges , said : ‘ It really isn ’ t too much to ask . We all have a duty to protect each other from the virus and so wearing a mask , following social distancing guidance and continuing basic hygiene measures are just a minor
inconvenience and that ’ s all they are for the vast majority .
‘ But we also know those measures can have a major impact when it comes to reducing the spread of the disease and ultimately saving lives .’
Unison general secretary Christina McAnea added : ‘ Rising infections mean more people are falling ill and will need NHS care . Hospital admissions are already back to where they were last autumn . NHS staff have been through the mill this past 16 months . The thought of having to go through a third wave will prove too much for many .
‘ Wearing masks doesn ’ t stop anyone from living their lives . But it can help prevent infection spread and limit pressure on the NHS .’
Getting ballot ready – updating your details
Unison has been campaigning for pay increases for occupational therapy staff working in the NHS , in local government and in higher education , as it does every year . When offers are made , or pay awards announced by government , we always consult our members to find out how they want their union to respond .
BAOT / Unison members will be consulted via electronic ballot . To make sure you are included in any ballot about your pay , it is crucial that your membership information is up to date , including : name ; home address ; employer ; email address ; phone number ; and workplace ( employer ’ s address or building ).
You can update your details by visiting
www . unison . org . uk / and logging into your MyUNISON account . It takes less than two minutes to register using your Unison membership number .
OTnews August 2021 15