If you feel you need to stay off work due to reasons relating to COVID-19, and are unsure if you need a fit note, your request for absence from work will fall into one of five categories:
1. Personally affected – isolating for ten days
You should self-certify for the first ten days as normal if you are unfit to work.
You do not need to contact your GP.
2. Personally affected – remaining unwell for over ten days
If you remain unwell and unfit to work after ten days, visit www.111.nhs.uk and complete the online self-assessment. You may be asked to call 111 for further advice on the next steps regarding your illness/fitness to work.
You do not need to contact your GP.
3. Isolating due to household member affected
AND
4. At risk group – following government advice
Employers are responsible for putting in place arrangements for home/remote working where this is possible. Where it is not, you may self-certify and return to work following the relevant absence which your employer may authorise as per government advice. If you become unwell during or after this time, points 1 and 2 apply.
You do not need to contact your GP.
5. Those in full time education
There is no requirement to issue certification to schools or colleges to confirm absence. These organisations will work with parents and students to ensure that any absence is appropriately recorded.
You do not need to contact your GP.