26th April 2020 by Adam Alive, Operations Manager.
The following is adapted from a paper I recently sent to colleagues where I share some operational and personal thoughts on how we might prepare for the eventual end – or easing – of the lockdown.
As we near the end of Lockdown Week 5, the government’s policy has been to avoid too much discussion about a national exit strategy and return to ‘normal’ since it is concerned this might distract from the key ‘stay at home’ message. This approach continues to be debated across the media but it seems sensible for individuals and organisations to begin to consider and discuss how a gradual return to pre-pandemic life and services might look once restrictions are lifted, although who knows when?
Knowns and Unknowns
I started taking an operational interest in the coronavirus situation in mid-February using the GOV.UK and NHS websites as a resource and continue to do so. Again, whilst there may be differing views on particular policies, the government’s overall strategy has been science and evidence-based led.
But, of course, since this emerging crisis is new to the whole world, the science and evidence has changed as we go along such that – now speaking personally – in early March, whilst the thought of contracting COVID-19 was not pleasant, I wasn’t too concerned since the key message was that most people under 70 with no underlying health conditions would only experience mild symptoms… but by early April, as the daily death toll increased, it became clear that anyone of any age may die after contracting the disease and my concern levels have changed accordingly.
Similarly, whilst I am able, when returning from a weekly food shop, to use the tube and have a carriage all to myself, the thought of using even a half-filled carriage in the future is a little unsettling… My point here is that once restrictions are lifted there will still be many unknowns so it is important that, as individuals and as an employer and service provider, we remain cautious in our approach.
Issues for Consideration
We are therefore considering a phased approach to any return and ensuring that no member of staff returns to the office or external setting until they feel 100% comfortable in doing so.
For want of a better expression, I refer to ‘Unlock Week 1’ as the first week after the lockdown officially ends although it is likely the government also adopts a phased approach so there may be no specific end date, simply a gradual transition. It may be wise to remain at home during Unlock Week 1 and even Week 2, thus allowing time to assess the wider picture eg. volumes on public transport, the possible emergence of a second wave, whilst continuing with social distancing and allowing for the 14-day incubation period.
Equally important are transitions and endings for our clients – people with learning disabilities and autism – the majority of whom Respond has continued to engage with by video, phone and texts from staffs’ homes. We will therefore consider carefully – and person-by-person – the merits of continuing such sessions from home for a while before any return to clinic or school-based sessions.
On a final note, at least we have time and space to consider such measures… it feels like an age ago when we were preparing for ‘containment’ and ‘delay’ then suddenly ‘lockdown’ and trying to work out what is really ‘essential’… words that have taken on new meanings as we adapt to this strange (and strangely quiet) new world.
