Government rules on social distancing has now changed from 17 May. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Primary Care Services in England, which was published 13th May, updates and replaces the previous Government guidance.
The guidance outlines for Primary Care Services in England that:
GP practices must all ensure they are offering face to face appointments.
Patients and clinicians should have a choice of consultation mode. Patients’ input into this choice should be sought and practices should respect preferences for face to face care unless there are good clinical reasons to the contrary, for example the presence of COVID symptoms.
All practice receptions should be open to patients, adhering to social distancing and IPC guidance.
Patients should be treated consistently regardless of mode of access.