UK biometrics appointments

Who else has an appointment scheduled for biometrics in the UK?

I'm scheduled to do mine Wednesday morning and our Tube station is among those shutting down. I have a bike so I can probably still get there relatively easy, but for obvious reasons I'm starting to worry about this. I've seen no guidance on this anywhere!

Who else has an appointment scheduled for biometrics in the UK?

I'm scheduled to do mine Wednesday morning and our Tube station is among those shutting down. I have a bike so I can probably still get there relatively easy, but for obvious reasons I'm starting to worry about this. I've seen no guidance on this anywhere!

I think this is a good example where trying to call their Covid-19 helpline might be a good idea? https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-immigration-guidance-if-youre-unable-to-return-to-china-from-the-uk#additional-immigration-queries

Couldn't find anything from sopra steria in a quick Google search

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We have ours tomorrow morning in Birmingham. I know how you feel with the worries, I've just been making sure to watch the daily PM press conferences and keeping my fingers crossed that they won't shut down government buildings.

I take some comfort in knowing that usually companies which take on government contracts like Sopra Steria tend to stay open until the government says otherwise as per the terms of their contract  (I worked for one of these companies for a long time).

Keeping everything crossed for us all with future biometrics appointments 

I think they should have a plan in place for vulnerable people who can't get to the appointments. I have a feeling we will be holding off on submitting ours since I can't safely go to one right now, but I only have til June and who knows what will happen between now and then.

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They also have some guidance on the UKVCAS website:
https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/home-internal

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE 1
If you have Coronavirus symptoms and should be self-isolating, or if you have Coronavirus, you must not attend your appointment. Please email admin.ukvas@soprasteria.com with ‘COVID-19’ and your UAN in the subject to say that you cannot attend. We will refund your fee and will tell the Home Office.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE 2
If after your visit to us, you develop symptoms, or have Coronavirus, please email admin.ukvas@soprasteria.com with ‘COVID-19’ and your UAN in the subject and details of your appointment.

I think this is a good example where trying to call their Covid-19 helpline might be a good idea? https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-immigration-guidance-if-youre-unable-to-return-to-china-from-the-uk#additional-immigration-queries

Couldn't find anything from sopra steria in a quick Google search

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

Good idea! I'll file it away for next week.

We have ours tomorrow morning in Birmingham. I know how you feel with the worries, I've just been making sure to watch the daily PM press conferences and keeping my fingers crossed that they won't shut down government buildings.

I take some comfort in knowing that usually companies which take on government contracts like Sopra Steria tend to stay open until the government says otherwise as per the terms of their contract  (I worked for one of these companies for a long time).

Keeping everything crossed for us all with future biometrics appointments 

Good luck with everything! You're so close to done!!

I think they should have a plan in place for vulnerable people who can't get to the appointments. I have a feeling we will be holding off on submitting ours since I can't safely go to one right now, but I only have til June and who knows what will happen between now and then.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

This is what has me nervous. I have an appointment on Monday to discuss a long term health condition with my doctor. As far as I can tell I don't yet need to self isolate, but I haven't confirmed that with a medical professional yet.

This is what has me nervous. I have an appointment on Monday to discuss a long term health condition with my doctor. As far as I can tell I don't yet need to self isolate, but I haven't confirmed that with a medical professional yet.

If in doubt and if you are able to, isolate.  Don't wait to be told to.

They also have some guidance on the UKVCAS website:
https://www.ukvcas.co.uk/home-internal

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE 1
If you have Coronavirus symptoms and should be self-isolating, or if you have Coronavirus, you must not attend your appointment. Please email admin.ukvas@soprasteria.com with ‘COVID-19’ and your UAN in the subject to say that you cannot attend. We will refund your fee and will tell the Home Office.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE 2
If after your visit to us, you develop symptoms, or have Coronavirus, please email admin.ukvas@soprasteria.com with ‘COVID-19’ and your UAN in the subject and details of your appointment.

Thanks, yes. I saw that. But the wording didn't leave me very reassured. To me it reads that only if you're showing symptoms they'll refund and "tell the home office", but I'm worried about being a vulnerable person. Then there's the whole reduced transport options situation but if I have to bite the bullet and get a cab I will.

If in doubt and if you are able to, isolate.  Don't wait to be told to.

Agreed! This is the only thing in my way so I figure worth getting the doctor to confirm.

Good luck with everything! You're so close to done!!

Thank you so much  and wishing you all the luck for you appointment next week too . We are having to shell out a small fortune on taxis to get to this appointment as I have asthma so really want to avoid public transport for sure.

Also, if I see any further guidance regarding COVID-19 when we attend his appointment I will let you all know.

Thank you so much  and wishing you all the luck for you appointment next week too . We are having to shell out a small fortune on taxis to get to this appointment as I have asthma so really want to avoid public transport for sure.

Also, if I see any further guidance regarding COVID-19 when we attend his appointment I will let you all know.

Good call. Stay well!

Thank you so much  and wishing you all the luck for you appointment next week too . We are having to shell out a small fortune on taxis to get to this appointment as I have asthma so really want to avoid public transport for sure.

Also, if I see any further guidance regarding COVID-19 when we attend his appointment I will let you all know.

When using a taxi, remember that other people were in that car before you, and if they coughed or sneezed, their droplets landed on surfaces in there.  So, even though you're not in a Tube being coughed on directly, be careful not to touch too many surfaces, and sanitize your hands until you're able to wash them properly with soap and water.  Do not touch your face with unclean hands!

When using a taxi, remember that other people were in that car before you, and if they coughed or sneezed, their droplets landed on surfaces in there.  So, even though you're not in a Tube being coughed on directly, be careful not to touch too many surfaces, and sanitize your hands until you're able to wash them properly with soap and water.  Do not touch your face with unclean hands!

YES! This. I'm that person wearing mittens on the Tube in May so I've been ahead of the game in that regard. We've had good training. One year my husband's entire office got norovirus. It was ridiculous. He was sick for weeks. Neither my 6yo nor I got it because we immediately implemented a wipe down system of every surface and dish of our house. He wasn't allowed anywhere without a chlorox wipe and plastic bag. Other families weren't so fortunate.