As we are all at various stages of reopening, it is a good time to take a few minutes for a quick ‘stock take’ of things you may need to consider in preparation.
Here is some useful links and guidance that might help you and/or your business:
Legionella risks
Employers, the self-employed and people in control of premises, such as landlords, have a duty to protect people by identifying and controlling risks associated with legionella. If your building was closed or has reduced occupancy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, water system stagnation can occur due to lack of use, increasing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease.
Reopening checklist for food businesses during COVID-19
Reopening your food business after a period of closure will require some extra checks alongside your ‘normal’ daily opening checks. These will help to make sure that your business can restart safely. You will need to maintain your basic hygiene standards and recognise the areas where greater attention will be required.
Find out more here
Ventilation and air conditioning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
The law says employers must make sure there’s an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace.
Sector guides on how to make your workplace COVID-secure
14 guides have been published that cover a range of different types of work. You may need to use more than one of these guides as you think through what you need to do to keep people safe. Priority actions are outlined at the top of each guide.
Risk assessment
As an employer, you must protect people from harm. This includes taking reasonable steps to protect your workers and others from coronavirus. This is called a COVID-19 risk assessment and it’ll help you manage risk and protect people.
Find out more here
Covid-19 fire safety video
Leicestershire Fire and rescue have produced a short video for businesses reopening
Latest guidance for all businesses in the Visitor Economy
Guidance for people who work in hotels and guest accommodation, indoor and outdoor attractions, and business events and consumer shows.
Specific guidance for hotels and other guest accommodation
Guidance for people who work in or run hotels and other guest accommodation.
Specific guidance for restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services
Guidance for people who work in or run restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes or takeaways.
New rules on Test Track and Trace:
All venues in England in scope of the regulations are legally required to display an official NHS QR code poster. There will be new posters displaying QR codes for hospitality venues in England.
Everyone in a group must check in:
- In line with new regulations, when a group enters a hospitality venue, every individual must check either by scanning the official NHS QR code poster with the NHS COVID-19 app, or by providing their contact details. Previously, only the lead member of the group needed to provide contact details to check in.
Summary of Changes from the 12th April:
- Self-contained accommodation will be able to open for overnight stays in England for people with their household or support bubble
- Outdoor hospitality venues will be able to reopen, with table service only
- Most outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks, and drive-in performances (such as cinemas and concerts) will be able to reopen
- Some smaller outdoor events such as fetes, literary fairs, and fairgrounds will be able to take place
- Non-essential retail will be able to reopen
- Personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons will be able to reopen
- Public buildings such as libraries and community centres will be able to reopen
- Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies, wakes and other commemorative events will be able to take place for up to 15 people (anyone working is not included in this limit), including in indoor venues that are permitted to open or where an exemption applies. Wedding receptions can also take place for up to 15 people, but must take place outdoors, not including private gardens
- Guest accommodation providers such as hotels, B&Bs and caravan parks may only remain open for the specific reasons set out in law.