Covid 19 Guidance in anticipation of indoor opening

Although the formal announcement as to the 17th May is to be made by the Prime Minister today on Friday there was an update to the Guidance -Working Safely during Coronavirus.

This is the primary advice document which is changes and evolves with each Step of the Roadmap as to what can be undertaken and how it should be done.
The update version can be found here.

It contains a couple of useful headers.

Firstly, under the heading “What’s Changed” it confirms:-

• serving customers indoors
• updated social contact rules (gatherings of up to 30 people are permitted outdoors; gatherings of up to 6 people or 2 households of any size are permitted indoors) 
• relaxation of rules around live performances, business events and soft play areas

Thereafter it has a heading as to “steps to be taken” which sets out 8 priority actions.

1. Complete a COVID-19 risk assessment
2. Clean more often
3. Remind your customers and staff to wear face coverings in any indoor space or where the law says they must
4. Make sure everyone is social distancing
5. Provide adequate ventilation
6. Take part in NHS Test and Trace
7. Turn people with COVID-19 symptoms away
8. Consider the mental health and wellbeing aspects of COVID-19 for yourself and others.

Finally there is an heading-“Other things to be aware of”-

Keep groups apart

Space out tables, consider using barriers between groups, and manage the number of customers in the venue. This is required by law.

Manage food and drink service safely

Avoid situations where customers need to collect their own cutlery and condiments. Avoid contact between staff and customers.

Lower music and other background noise

Prevent shouting, singing and dancing in the venue by making sure music and broadcasts are played at a low volume.

The document concludes that the whole Guidance should be read!