Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced new coronavirus safety rules to suppress the virus and keep the number of infections down. He said that the government’s plan to control the virus and protect the public, whilst keeping the economy and society open, is working, but warned against complacency. Following the increase spread of the virus across Europe, Mr Johnson said businesses, individuals and government need to take action.

The government has set out its plan to return life to as near normal as we can, for as many people as we can, as quickly and fairly as possible in order to safeguard livelihoods, but in a way that continues to protect our communities and our NHS. The most important thing we can continue to do is to stay alert, control the virus, and, in doing so, save lives. This guidance explains the measures that will help you to stay alert and stay as safe as possible as we continue to respond to the challenges of coronavirus.

On 9 September, the government announced further measures including new social contact rules which are simpler and will help us to control the virus as we move into winter.

Boris Johnson set out three key behaviours for people to observe:

HANDS – Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds;

FACE – Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet;

SPACE – Stay two metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or one metre with extra precautions in place.

The government has announced new measures to suppress the virus and keep the number of infections down:

The new rules are backed by law, so police can take action if there are groups of more than six. If you are part of a group which refuses to disperse when told to by police you could get a £100 penalty ticket (£50 if paid within 14 days). This doubles with every extra offence, rising to £3,200 for six or more offences. Additionally, organisers of illegal gatherings in England can be fined £10,000. This penalty came in after a number of house parties and unlicensed gatherings were broken up by police.

These measures apply to England – but there may be different rules if you live in an area under local lockdown and you should check those rules here. If you are in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, different rules may apply.

Some employers and third-party healthcare providers may want to introduce their own internal testing programmes outside of the NHS Test and Trace service. This guidance aims to help them ensure that their testing programmes are as reliable and effective as possible. It covers:

Legislation, regulations and best practice;

Virus and antibody testing;

How to interpret test results;

Next steps after a positive or negative test.

It is noted that the NHS Test and Trace service is for those who display symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been advised to take a test by a medical practitioner or public service. Employer and third-party healthcare providers wishing to provide a test to staff must not advise individuals without symptoms to get a test from the limited supply offered by the NHS Test and Trace service, but may offer alternative private provision, in accordance with this guidance.

Before deciding to establish a testing programme, employers are advised that they are clear on a number of factors, such as:

Who the testing will cover – for example, whether this is all directly employed staff, or includes individuals working onsite, like contractors;

What the focus of the programme is: staff with symptoms or without symptoms;

How often staff will be tested;

Appropriate facilities for carrying out the tests.

The guidance is available here.

Local restrictions: Areas with an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19)

A list of areas with additional local restrictions. Includes information for local authorities, residents and workers about what to do and how to manage the outbreak can be found here.

UK quarantine rules and travel corridoors

Government publishes aviation COVID-19 guidance

The Department for Transport has published COVID-secure aviation guidance to support operators and passengers. It sets out measures that operators should put in place to protect staff and passengers, including advice on wearing face coverings, checking in all baggage and creating safe workspaces. It also provides advice for passengers on how to travel safely and on how to follow social distancing measures at each stage of their journey.

The guidelines are available here:

The guidance has been updated to incorporate the new rules on social gatherings of more than six people. From 14 September, it is against the law for people who do not live together to gather in a group larger than six. The guidance stresses that the best way to protect against transmission of coronavirus is through routine:

Robust social distancing;

Regular cleanings;

Good hand and respiratory hygiene.

Where these routine measures are not possible, carry out a risk assessment and adopt additional measures.

The guidance applies to all workers in the aviation industry. Workers include and are not limited to: aircrew and flight crew, ground crew, retail staff, baggage handlers, maintenance engineers, shuttle/bus drivers, security staff, cleaners, catering company workers and workers who assist passengers with reduced mobility or disabilities. Consider the full range of activities and how to manage the risks arising from these roles.

Guadeloupe and Slovenia will be removed from the travel corridor list at 4am, Saturday, 19 September 2020.

The following countries, territories and regions were removed from the exempt list at 4am, Saturday, 12 September 2020:

The following regions were removed from the exempt list at 4am, Wednesday, 9 September 2020:

Crete;

Lesvos;

Mykonos;

Santorini;

Serifos;

Tinos;

Zakynthos.

People arriving in England from the listed countries will need to self-isolate for 2 weeks as the countries are removed from the travel exemptions list.

If you’re travelling from an exempt country you will not need to self-isolate. You should check the list of exempt countries before you travel. If you travel from an exempt country but have been in a country that is not exempt within the last 14 days, you will need to self-isolate for the remainder of the 14 days since you were last in a non-exempt country.

You should follow separate advice if you need to self-isolate in:

Face coverings: When to wear one and how to make your own

This guidance has been updated (as of 27 August). Face coverings are now required in sports stadiums. Also updated are the exemptions to show when face coverings are not required.

The guidance has also been updated with information about penalty fines for not wearing a face covering. The police can take measures if members of the public do not comply with this law without a valid exemption and transport operators can deny access to their public transport services if a passenger is not wearing a face covering, or direct them to wear one or leave a service.

If necessary, the police and Transport for London (TfL) officers have enforcement powers including issuing fines of £100 (halving to £50 if paid within 14 days for the first offence).

According to the guidance, repeat offenders receiving fines on public transport or in an indoor setting will have their fines doubled at each offence. After the first offence, there will be no discount. For example, receiving a second fine will amount to £200 and a third fine will be £400, up to a maximum value of £3,200.

The guidance goes on to set out information about what face coverings are, their role in reducing the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), the settings in which they are recommended, and how they should be safely used and stored. This information is based on current scientific evidence and is subject to change.

In England, you must continue to wear a face covering by law in the following settings:

Public transport;

Indoor transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals);

Shops and supermarkets (places which are open to the public and that wholly or mainly offer goods or services for retail sale or hire);

Indoor shopping centres;

Banks, building societies, and post offices (including credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses).

You are expected to wear a face covering immediately before entering any of these settings and must keep it on until you leave.

You are also strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult and where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

Face coverings are also needed in NHS settings, including hospitals and primary or community care settings, such as GP surgeries. They are advised to be worn in care homes. Individual settings may have their own policies and require you to take other measures.

Different regulations exist for wearing face coverings in different parts of the UK:

Published by the Cabinet Office, this guidance explains when to wear a face covering and how to make one.

It covers:

What face coverings are;

Their role in reducing the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19);

The settings in which they are recommended;

How they should be safely used and stored.

The BBC has put together a user’s guide to wearing a face mask to the shops.

Face coverings at work

UK not following France’s lead on face coverings in the workplace

Heath Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that the UK government is not considering making face coverings mandatory in workplaces, as has been adopted in France. Mr Hancock said current NHS Test and Trace evidence shows that people are largsely catching the virus when meeting another household, usually in one of their homes.

He told BBC Breakfast that while the government was “constantly looking at the scientific evidence”, the amount of people catching Covid-19 in workplaces was “relatively low”. France has made the wearing of masks in all “shared and enclosed” workplaces compulsory, with the measures due to come in from 1 September.

Face covering guidance for workplaces

The guidance says that there is no universal face coverings guidance for workplaces because of the variety of work environments in different industries.

Employers must make sure that the risk assessment for their business addresses the risks of COVID-19 using BEIS guidance to inform decisions and control measures including close proximity working.

As a general rule, it is important to note that coronavirus (COVID-19) is a different type of risk to the risks normally faced in a workplace and needs to be managed through a hierarchy or system of control including social distancing, high standards of hand hygiene, increased surface cleaning, fixed teams or partnering, and other measures such as using screens or barriers to separate people from each other.

These measures remain the best ways of managing risk in the workplace, but there are some circumstances when wearing a face covering may be marginally beneficial and a precautionary measure; this will largely be to protect others and not the wearer. If employees choose to wear a face covering, normal policies relating to occupational workwear and PPE will continue to apply.

The BBC has put together a user’s guide to wearing a face mask.

Use of face coverings in construction during coronavirus

Information from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) says that construction workers have asked the CLC for guidance on the use of face coverings in response to coronavirus to help provide a consistent approach across the industry.

Currently, where construction workers are not required to wear PPE for their specific task and their workplace meets all of the criteria below, their employer should make available, as a minimum, face coverings:

An enclosed space;

Where social distancing isn’t always possible;

Where they come into contact with others they do not normally meet.

Find the CLC document here.

To get some recommendations on face coverings in the workplace, for employers and employees, SHP spoke to Arco’s Director of QSHE UK and Asia, Neil Hewitt.

Exemption cards or badges

Guidance has been updated with information about face mask exemptions. Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.

Also available are printable exemption cards:

Medical and fabric masks: Who wears what when?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a video outlining when medical masks and fabric masks should be worn in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Settings where face coverings must be legally worn in Scotland is expanding to include certain indoor public places such as cinemas, galleries, museums and banks, from Saturday 8 August.

Further rules for the hospitality sector, including the introduction of new statutory guidance, have been announced to increase compliance and keep the sector safely open.

While the new guidance won’t come into effect until Friday 14 August, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has emphasised that the hospitality industry should already be doing the right thing, and if not then they should start now.

Hospitality premises should be collecting customer contact details for Test and Protect. Tables should be pre-booked where possible, with no queueing. There should be no background music and TVs should be muted to reduce the need for people to shout or lean in to each other, and no more than three households at a time should be meeting in a group.

From Friday 14 August, it will be mandatory to collect contact details of customers in a range of hospitality and public settings.

Face shields may be used but only if they are worn in addition to a face covering. While exemptions to face coverings will apply, the new settings face coverings must now be worn in will include:

Any premises open to members of the public and used for the retail sale or hire of goods or services. This now includes: shops; takeaway restaurants; estate agents; and beauty parlours. This does not extend to hospitality premises such as sit-in cafes and restaurants;

Aquariums, indoor zoos or visitor farms, and any other indoor tourist, heritage or cultural site;

Banks, building societies and credit unions;

Cinemas;

Community centres;

Crematoriums and funeral directors premises;

Libraries and public reading rooms;

Museums and galleries;

Places of worship;

Post offices;

Storage and distribution facilities, including collection and drop off points.

The Scottish COVID-19 Workbook has also been published. It brings into one place advice on how local and national public health agencies will provide support to prevent virus spread, together with advice on outbreak management.

Alongside the workbook the government will publish ‘Sector Advice Cards’ that details how different sectors can take action to prevent the spread of the virus, avoid outbreaks, reporting and helping to manage outbreaks.

‘Please give me space’ social distancing cards and badges

The Cabinet Office has issued optional badges that can be used to show that the carrier may have difficulties or concerns in maintaining social distancing. The idea is that they can be used to signal to others around them that they need to pay attention and be given space.

The following are available:

‘Please give me space’ social distancing badge (for mobile phone)

‘Please give me space’ social distancing badge (to print)

‘Please give me space’ social distancing card (to print)

lanning for social distancing guidance published

The Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) has published the final version of its guidance SG02: Planning for Social Distancing at Sports Grounds. It has been published to enable sports grounds to effectively plan for the re-admittance of spectators. The Prime Minister has indicated this will be from the start of October.

The guidance has been developed to help practitioners to implement the Government’s Stage Five guidance, which sets out that social distancing will be maintained wherever possible when spectators are admitted to elite sporting events.

The document forms a supplement to the sixth edition of the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (the Guide), published in 2018. It has been drawn up to assist the management of sports grounds who are considering the possibility of, or who are actively planning for, the re-introduction of spectators to their ground under social distancing.

It also contains guidance on a range of measures recommended for the protection of all people present at a ground during an event against the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

For grounds in England, the advice in this Supplementary Guidance seeks to prepare management for the move towards the UK Government’s Stage Five, also known as ‘Return to competition: safe return of spectators’. This follows on from the previous four stages, each of which has helped elite sport to recover in phases from complete lockdown to a return to competition.

How the return of spectators to sport may affect security and fire professionals.

This guidance is for adults and children in England who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

It has been updated following the pausing of shielding advice in England. There is specific guidance on what will happen if there is a local lockdown in your area.

What has changed:

You do not need to follow previous shielding advice;

You can go to work as long as the workplace is Covid-secure, but should carry on working from home wherever possible;

Clinically extremely vulnerable children should attend education settings in line with the wider guidance on reopening of schools and guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings;

You can go outside as much as you like but you should still try to keep your overall social interactions low;

You can visit businesses, such as supermarkets, pubs and shops, while keeping 2 metres away from others wherever possible or 1 metre, plus other precautions;

You should continue to wash your hands carefully and more frequently than usual and that you maintain thorough cleaning of frequently touched areas in your home and/or workspace

You will no longer receive free food parcels, medicine deliveries and basic care from the National Shielding Service.

The HSE has issued a COVID-19 risk assessment template for organisations to use in order to protect workers and others from coronavirus.

It says that organisations must:

Identify what work activity or situations might cause transmission of the virus;

Think about who could be at risk;

Decide how likely it is that someone could be exposed;

Act to remove the activity or situation, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk.

Workers and their representatives must be consulted during the process, to explain the measures being taken to them. They can also provide valuable information on how the risks could be controlled.

The document can be used to help ensure everything has been covered in order to keep workers and others safe. Once the risk assessment is completed, you will also have to monitor to make sure that what you have put in place is working as expected.

The COVID-19 risk assessment template can be found here.

During the news conference at Downing Street, on Friday 17 July, the PM said: “We’re going to give employers more discretion and ask them to make decisions about how their staff can work safely. That could mean continuing to work from home, which is one way of working safely and which has worked for many employers and employees. Or it could mean making workplaces safe.”

The BBC has put together an interactive guide on what the future might look like.

The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy: New chapter added

The Government’s strategy document describes the progress the UK has made to date in tackling the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and sets out the plans for moving to the next phase of its response to the virus.

A new chapter has been added: The Next Chapter in our Plan to Rebuild: The UK Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Strategy.

This additional chapter to the recovery strategy sets out the next stages of the plan. It looks ahead to the coming months, covering the tools that will be used to suppress the virus, the challenges that winter will bring and how the government is preparing for these, and our ambition for continuing to reopen the economy and society when it is safe to do so.

In summary, areas covered in the document include:

Suppressing the virus

The ONS infection survey shows that the number of new infections and people with COVID-19 at any given time has decreased significantly since ‘Our plan to rebuild’ was published in May, and is now stable and low. The number of people dying each day from COVID-19 has fallen from a peak of 1,173 in mid-April to an average of 74 over the past seven days.

The government says it is now able to better to identify outbreaks at an early stage at local and regional levels, and have taken steps to ensure appropriate local intervention. Local outbreaks are identified and managed through continuous monitoring of the available data, using NHS Test and Trace and Public Health England, to help spot potential outbreaks early. They then work with local authorities to understand the situation in detail and take action. Different approaches are required according to local circumstances. In some places, outbreaks have occurred in individual premises, such as workplaces, so the response has only focused on those specific locations, whereas other outbreaks have required a greater level of intervention.

The CONTAIN Framework, published 17 July, sets out how local authorities and national Government will work together to manage local outbreaks. As of 18 July, local authorities have new powers to close specific premises, close public outdoor spaces, and cancel events.

Continuing the plan to rebuild

Good hygiene practices must be maintained, and this is essential says the guidance. Since 11 May the government has encouraged people to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces where they have close contact with people they do not normally meet. In England, face coverings have been mandatory on public transport since 15 June, and they will be mandatory in shops and supermarkets from 24 July.

There is now sufficient testing capacity so that everyone with symptoms – no matter what their age or profession – can quickly and easily access a test.

Over the coming months the plan is to continue building the NHS Test and Trace service into ‘a world-class operation in infection control.’ Government plans to increase antigen testing capacity to half a million tests a day by the end of October, with results for in-person tests coming back the next day.

To support these aims, a number of strategies are being pursued. For example, implementation of a targeted communications strategy to improve awareness of the service among priority audiences, including BAME communities, non-English speakers and at-risk groups; introducing backward contact tracing, to identify the source of a particular outbreak and improve understanding of how infection spreads around social, professional and educational networks.

Preparing for winter

There are unknown factors in how colder weather may impact the virus; there is some evidence that UV light means surfaces exposed to sunlight are less hospitable to the virus in the summer, and some outbreaks have occurred in cold, damp settings, such as meat-packing factories. As the weather becomes colder and days become shorter, it is expected that people will spend more time indoors, where the risk of transmission is higher.

There are also secondary risks. The pressure on the NHS and other health infrastructure is already higher in winter due to other seasonal illnesses, such as flu.

The Government is undertaking preparations to ensure readiness for the risk of a resurgence in the virus between November and March. For example; the auditing of critical winter stockpiles of equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure there is the stock needed. Work will continue with care homes to make sure they are prepared to keep residents and staff safe through the winter months.

Lifting restrictions step by step

There is a careful balance to strike; safely reopening society and the economy is only possible because the restrictions on social contact remain in place.

From 1 August, if prevalence remains around or below current levels, the following steps will be taken:

Give employers more discretion on how they ensure employees can work safely. Working from home is one way to do this, but workplaces can also be made safe by following COVID-19 Secure guidelines.

Reopen most remaining leisure settings, namely bowling, skating rinks and casinos, accompanied by COVID-19 Secure guidelines. This will not include particularly high-risk activities and settings such as nightclubs, which will be kept under review.

Enable the restart of indoor performances to a live audience, in line with COVID-19 Secure guidelines, subject to the success of pilots that are taking place as soon as possible.

Enable all close contact services to resume, including any treatments on the face such as eyebrow threading or make-up application, working closely with the sector and public health experts to ensure this can be done as safely as possible and in line with COVID-19 Secure guidelines.

Carry out pilots in venues with a range of sizes of crowds, particularly where congregating from different places, including sports stadia and business events. The pilots, some of which will begin in late July, will be carefully monitored and evaluated to inform future decisions on any further relaxation of the rules. If plans progress in line with expectations, pilots will expand to build up to and prepare for a full, socially distanced return in the autumn.

Enable wedding receptions; sit-down meals for no more than 30 people, subject to COVID-19 Secure guidelines. Over time, we will assess whether gatherings of this type for other purposes can be made possible and when larger wedding receptions can take place.

However, it is possible that resurgence of the virus means the plan cannot be followed safely, so preparations will be made for different scenarios over the coming months. In all cases it is hoped there will be a return towards normality in spring 2021, but only in the optimal scenario of a sustained low incidence can this be achieved.

Relaxing the use of public transport, the PM said people may use public transport for journeys immediately.

From 1 August, Mr Johnson said most remaining leisure settings, such as bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos, and close-contact services such as beauticians could resume. However, soft play areas and nightclubs will remain closed beyond that date.

From middle of October, he said audiences will be able to return to stadia for sports and performances under the plan while confirming that a wedding with 30 people will be able to go ahead.

The PM also said conferences and other events can recommence from that month, adding that “These changes must be done in a COVID-secure way, subject to the successful outcome of pilots.”

Easing of lockdown – leisure and salons

On Thursday 9 July, at the government’s press briefing, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden revealed:

Theatres and music venues could restart outdoor performances from Saturday 11 July;

Outdoor sports, including team sports, were also able to restart in stages, with indoor venues to follow on 25 July;

Gyms and other venues will have to implement strict safety procedures;

Small pilots of indoor performances will also be held to find ways to allow them to restart;

Beauticians and other close-contact businesses can reopen from Monday, with some restrictions for particularly high risk activities;

Face coverings are recommended in enclosed spaces but will not be mandatory in gyms.

The guidance

Beauty salons, nail bars, tattoo and massage studios, physical therapy businesses and spas

These venues across England were able to reopen safely from Monday 13 July under new government plans.

Updated COVID-19 secure guidance sets out the measures that those providing close contact services should follow to protect staff and customers. Only services that do not involve work in the highest risk zone – directly in front of the face – should be made available to clients. This means that treatments such as face waxing, eyelash treatments, make-up application and facial treatments, should not be provided until government advice changes, due to the much greater risk of transmission.

Where 2 metre social distancing cannot be maintained, for example when providing a treatment, the person providing the service should wear further protection in addition to any that they may usually wear. This should be a clear visor that covers the face, or the use of a screen or other barrier that protects the practitioner and the customer from respiratory droplets caused by sneezing, coughing or speaking.

Measures close contact services will need to consider to become COVID-19 secure include:

Using screens or barriers to separate clients from each other, and to separate practitioners from clients, such as in nail salons;

Operating an appointment-only booking system to minimise the number of people on the premises at any one time;

Keeping the activity time involved to a minimum;

Increasing the frequency of hand washing and surface cleaning, as well as regularly cleaning equipment or using disposable equipment where possible;

Avoiding skin to skin contact and wearing gloves where it is not crucial to the service, such as in nail bars and tanning salons;

Maintaining sufficient spacing between customer chairs;

Not allowing food or drink, other than water, to be consumed in the salon by customers;

Making sure a limited and fixed number of workers work together, if they have to be in close proximity to do their jobs.

The guidance also applies to businesses that operate in different locations, such as massage therapists working in people’s homes, and those learning in vocational training environments.

Businesses will need to keep records of staff and customers and share these with NHS Test and Trace where requested, to help identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.

Businesses will only be able to open from these dates once they have completed a risk assessment and are confident they are managing the risks. They must have taken the necessary steps to become COVID-19 secure in line with the current Health and Safety legislation.

Employers should display a downloadable notice in their workplaces to show their employees, customers and other visitors to their workplace, that they have followed this guidance.

Performing Arts

Performing arts can now take place outdoors from 11 July with a socially distanced audience present.

This means that outdoor theatres, opera, dance and music could resume so long as they take place outside and with a limited and socially distanced audience.

The Government will also work with the sector to pilot a number of small indoor performances with a social distanced audience to help inform plans about how best to get indoor venues back up and running.

A change in planning rules will also mean theatres, concert halls and live music performance venues will be protected from demolition or change of use by developers, stopping those that have been made temporarily vacant during lockdown disappearing altogether and giving extra security to these businesses as they start to re-open.

New guidance aims to help performing arts organisations, venue operators and participants in the UK understand how they can work and take part in the performing arts safely, and keep their audiences safe.

The guidance follows the government’s five-stage roadmap outlining how we will get audiences back into performing arts venues. It provides advice on all aspects of performance, from casting, sound and lighting, costume and fitting, to cloakrooms, orchestra pits, hair and make-up.

Singing and the playing of brass and wind instruments will be permitted in a managed and controlled professional working environment to minimise risk.

Gyms and pools to reopen safely

The Government has outlined the measures that allowed outdoor pools to reopen from 11 July and indoor gyms, swimming pools and sports facilities to reopen from 25 July.

The guidance includes advice for providers of pool, gym and leisure facilities on cleaning, social distancing, and protection for staff to help venues get back up and running safely.

It also supports the re-opening of sports halls which are vital to the return of play for many sports, including badminton and volleyball.

Venues must ensure they can enable customers, staff and volunteers to maintain social distancing before, during and after participation.

Measures set out include:

Limiting the number of people using the facility at any one time, for example by using a timed booking system;

Reducing class sizes and allowing sufficient time between each class to avoid groups waiting outside during changeover;

Ensuring an appropriate number of people are in a swimming pool at any one time;

Spacing out equipment or taking some out of service to maintain social distancing;

Enhanced cleaning and providing hand sanitizer throughout venues;

Considering how the way people walk through their venue could be adjusted to reduce contact, with queue management or one-way systems;

Ensuring adequate ventilation;

Encouraging the use of outdoor spaces for individual, team or group activities, making sure to comply with the latest restrictions on public gatherings;

Exercise or dance studios should have temporary floor markings where possible to help people stay distanced during classes;

Customers and staff should be encouraged to shower and change at home wherever possible, although changing rooms will be available.

The guidance is for gyms, swimming pools and indoor sports facilities in England.

On 2 July, government published guidance intended to support schools, both mainstream and alternative provision, to prepare for a full-time return to school in the autumn. The guidance applies to primary, secondary (including sixth forms), infant, junior, middle, upper, school-based nurseries and boarding schools. The government says it expects independent schools to follow the control measures set out in the document in the same way as state-funded schools. The guidance also covers expectations for children with special educational needs and disability ( SEND ), including those with education, health and care plans, in mainstream schools.

The return will be based on separating groups of children into “bubbles” and minimising contacts between them, rather than social distancing.

It will mean:

Grouping children together in groups or “bubbles”;

In primary this will be a class, in secondary a year group;

Avoiding contact between these groups during the school day;

Separate starting, finishing, lunch and break times;

Attendance compulsory with the threat of penalty fines;

Test and trace in place for schools;

Regular cleaning of hands;

Those with symptoms told to stay out of school;

No big group events like school assemblies;

Arranging classrooms with forward facing desks;

Separate groups on school buses;

Discouraging the use of public transport;

Masks not expected for pupils or staff.

Final daily government press conference

Tuesday 23 June saw the final daily government press conference. From now on, the government says it will only hold a briefing when it has something to announce. During the press conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a series of measures to take effect from 4 July, easing the lockdown in England. This included a change to the social distancing rules and an announcement that the hospitality sector can plan to reopen.

The final daily briefing was led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Chief Medical Officer Prof Chris Whitty, and the Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance:

Where it is not possible to stay 2m apart, people can stay 1m apart with added precautions, such as plastic screens, not sitting face-to-face, and wearing masks;

As planned, from 4 July, hotels, pubs, bars, cinemas and many other businesses can open, following COVID secure guidelines. A more detailed summary of what was announced is given below;

From 4 July, members of two different households can meet indoors, and stay over, but (unlike those in ‘support bubbles’) should stay socially distant;

Overall deaths in the UK are returning to normal levels, but the disease has not disappeared and is growing in other parts of the world;

If people only pay attention to the measures that have been eased and not the restrictions, the rate of infections will increase again;

Changing lockdown and social distancing rules is not risk free and will be reversed if needed;

Prof Whitty expects the current situation, where coronavirus is circulating widely, to continue into 2021.

Hospitality sector in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

The other nations of the UK – Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – are yet to announce any plans to change the 2m distance rule for the hospitality industry.

The Scottish government will make a decision on reopening outdoor spaces at pubs and restaurants on or around 2 July. The hospitality sector in Scotland has been told to prepare to reopen on 15 July;

The next review of Wales’s lockdown measures is due on 9 July. The Welsh government has promised talks with the hospitality sector about a “potential phased” reopening of pubs, cafes and restaurants, but no dates have been given;

In Northern Ireland, pubs, hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants can open from 3 July;

The 2m distance rule has been cut to 1m for schools in Northern Ireland when they reopen in August.

[Wales]

This guidance aims to help wedding businesses assess the risks of providing wedding receptions and other events.

The current regulations allow wedding ceremonies to take place in approved and licensed premises up to the capacity of the venue given social distancing requirements. There is guidance on wedding ceremonies. They also allow for COVID-19 safe wedding receptions to take place for up to 30 people. This applies to both outdoor and indoor receptions at the current time. It is allowed to conduct a reception at a venue which has not held the wedding ceremony itself. However, both the reception and the ceremony must take place on the same day. Wedding businesses have duty under the regulations to:

Take all reasonable steps to ensure a 2 metre distance is maintained at all times, guidance for social distancing;

Take other reasonable measures to minimise risk of exposure to coronavirus;

Provide relevant information for those entering or working at the premises on how to minimise that risk.

There are a range of guidelines which would apply to a business and these are augmented by the content of this guidance which is designed to help you to meet your obligations, assess your premises and practises, and make your business COVID-19 safe. As an employer, you have the legal responsibility to protect workers and others from risk to their health and safety. This means you need to think about the risks they face and do everything reasonably practicable to mitigate them, recognising that risk management does not eliminate but instead minimises risk.

This means such businesses need to undertake a risk assessment for the individual premises and work activities, assessed against the relevant guidelines referenced at the start of this document. The examples in this advice document are to help you to translate these into areas that may be relevant to your business, and any measures that are taken should fit appropriately with the operational needs of your business as well as relevant legal requirements.

Government strategy and workplace guidance

An outline to the Government’s plan for rebuilding and recovering from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has now been published.

The NHS Test and Trace service forms a central part of the government’s coronavirus recovery strategy. Launching across England, the service aims to help identify, contain and control coronavirus, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.

Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent interactions. This could include household members, people with whom they have been in direct contact, or within 2 metres, for more than 15 minutes.

People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms, to stop unknowingly spreading the virus.

If those in isolation develop symptoms, they can book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. If they test positive, they must continue to stay at home for 7 days or until their symptoms have passed. If they test negative, they must complete the 14-day isolation period.

Members of their household will not have to stay at home unless the person identified becomes symptomatic, at which point they must also self-isolate for 14 days to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.

NHS Test and Trace brings together 4 tools to control the virus:

Test: increasing availability and speed of testing will underpin NHS Test and Trace; Trace: when someone tests positive for coronavirus the NHS Test and Trace service will use dedicated contact tracing staff, online services and local public health experts to identify any close recent contacts they’ve had and alert those most at risk of having the virus who need to self-isolate. This will be complemented by the rollout of the NHS COVID-19 App in the coming weeks; Contain: a national Joint Biosecurity Centre will work with local authorities and public health teams in Public Health England (PHE), including local Directors of Public Health, to identify localised outbreaks and support effective local responses, including plans to quickly deploy testing facilities to particular locations. Local authorities have been supported by £300 million of new funding to help local authorities develop their own local outbreak control plans; Enable: government to learn more about the virus, including as the science develops, to explore how we could go further in easing infection control measures.

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that those having to self-isolate will be eligible for statutory sick pay if they are unable to work from home. This applies across the four nations of the UK.

The government has also commented that work continues on the NHS COVID-19 app following a successful rollout on the Isle of Wight. It has added that there has been a positive reception to the test and trace system on the island with over 52,000 downloads in the first week. The app, which will form a part of the NHS Test and Trace service, is due to be launched in the coming weeks once contact tracing is up and running.

Guidance on NHS test and trace is available here.

NHS test and trace: workplace guidance

This document sets out guidance on the NHS test and trace service for employers, businesses and workers.

The role of employers

According to the guidance, the NHS test and trace service will help to manage the risk of the virus re-emerging as restrictions on everyday life are eased, as far as it is deemed safe to do so.

It stresses that it is vital employers play their part by:

Making their workplaces as safe as possible;

Encouraging workers to heed any notifications to self-isolate and supporting them when in isolation.

The document recognises that although this may seem disruptive for businesses, but suggests that it is less disruptive than an outbreak of COVID-19 in the workplace will be, and far less disruptive than periods in lockdown.

The NHS test and trace service is designed to support businesses and economic recovery by:

Providing testing for anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus, so that if they have been tested positive, they and their household member know to continue to self-isolate;

Helping to stop the onward spread of the virus in the workplace and wider society, so that fewer people develop coronavirus and have to self-isolate;

Enabling the government to go further in safely easing or lifting lockdown measures, as far as it is deemed safe to do so, thereby allowing the nation to return to normal as quickly as possible.

Multiple outbreaks in the workplace

If there is more than one case of COVID-19 associated with a workplace, employers should contact their local health protection team to report the suspected outbreak.

The heath protection team will:

Undertake a risk assessment;

Provide public health advice;

Where necessary, establish a multi-agency incident management team to manage the outbreak.

Sector health and safety

This guidance must be followed to help to reduce the risk of a spread of infection in the workplace, says the document. In addition to this, employers are reminded that they must continue to follow health and safety workplace guidance for their sector such as:

Making every reasonable effort to enable working from home as a first option;

Where working from home isn’t possible, identifying sensible measures to control the risks in the workplace;

Keeping the workplace clean, maintaining safe working separation, and preventing transmission through unnecessary touching of potentially contaminated surfaces.

The guidance also includes information:

For the self employed;

On contact tracing: contact with co-workers;

The NHS COVID-19 app;

For workers.

It is available in full here.

Many measures require the development of new safety guidelines that set out how each type of physical space can be adapted to operate safely. The Government has been consulting relevant sectors, industry bodies, local authorities, trades unions, the Health and Safety Executive and Public Health England on their development.

To make workplaces less infectious, the guidelines promotes, for example:

Keeping a distance between people outside their household;

Keeping the hands and face as clean as possible. Hand sanitiser should be carried when travelling and applied where available outside the home, especially when entering a building and following contact with surfaces. Clothes should also be washed regularly, as there is some evidence that the virus can stay on fabrics;

Limiting the number of people that any given individual comes into contact with regularly. Employers can support this where practical by changing shift patterns and rotas to keep smaller, contained teams. Evidence also suggests the virus is less likely to be transmitted in well-ventilated areas.

COVID-19: The visitor economy

This guidance is designed to be relevant for people who work within the visitor economy; for example people who operate or run hotels and other types of accommodation (there is also a separate hotels and other guest accommodation guidance, indoor and outdoor visitor attractions guidance, and guidance for people who run or manage spaces for business or leisure events and conferences. There is also a separate guidance document on pubs and restaurants for food settings.

In deciding what actions to take, an appropriate COVID-19 risk assessment must be undertaken, at a business and site level.

The guidance covers:

Thinking about risk;

Managing your customers, visitors and contractors;

Who should go to work?;

Social distancing for workers;

Cleaning the workplace;

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and face coverings;

Workforce management;

Inbound and outbound goods.

This guidance is for people who work in or run hotels and other guest accommodation.

Its aim is to help employers, employees and the self-employed in England understand how to work as safely as possible and protect their customers during the COVID-19 pandemic while keeping to the recommended social distancing guidance applicable at the time.

An appropriate COVID-19 risk assessment is required to establish what actions need to be taken.

Shielding workers

More on the relaxing of shielding guidelines is set out below. But at yesterday’s briefing, the panel were asked about what legal protections are on offer to those who are worried about returning to work.

Mr Hancock said the legal framework in place to support staff at work has remained in place throughout the pandemic and that has not changed, insisting that the government would not be saying it was safe for the most vulnerable to return to work – if the necessary procedures are in place – unless it was medically appropriate.

Dr Harries said the onus is on both employers and employees to make the process work, conceding that many in the shielded group will be “fearful” and should take time to prepare to return rather than rushing into a decision.

But sh added they need to “push” their employers to start having one-to-one conversations to reassure them that their surroundings are safe.

Plans to ease guidance for those shielding

Yesterday, the government announced that restrictions on the 2.2 million people who have been “shielding” in England are to be significantly relaxed from early next month.

Those designated as extremely vulnerable to the virus – either due to their age or because of serious health conditions – will be able to spend more time outside their homes.

Changes from 6 July

Those who are shielding and live alone in England – including single parents who are shielding – will be able to create a support bubble with one other household of any size. This follows the ‘social bubble’ rules which were introduced earlier this month for anyone living alone and single-parent households.

People shielding will also be able to meet up to six people from other households, outdoors, while maintaining social distancing rules.

Changes from 1 August

From this date, extremely vulnerable people who are most at risk from becoming ill from coronavirus will no longer need to shield in England. The shielding guidance will be relaxed entirely, meaning those affected will be able to visit shops and places of worship and return to their workplaces if it is safe to do so.

For those returning to work – if they can’t work from home – the workplace must be COVID secure. It means those shielding will no longer be eligible for statutory sick pay, unless they develop coronavirus symptoms, or someone they know develops symptoms, and they are told to self-isolate and cannot work from home.

‘Robust’ workplace measures

The government acknowledge that individuals unable to work from home may feel uncertain about returning to work. Mindful of this, the government is asking employers to ease the transition for their clinically extremely vulnerable employees, ensuring that robust measures are put in place for those currently shielding to return to work when they are able to do so.

The government say this group must follow social distancing guidelines when outside their homes and wash their hands regularly to reduce the risk of being infected.

The UK government says the advice on shielding can be relaxed because the chances of encountering the virus in the community continue to fall – one in 1,700 people are estimated to have the virus now, down from 1 in 500 four weeks ago.

Coronavirus: Reopening of retail

Non-essential shops have been allowed to reopen. This includes retailers offering clothes, books and electronics. Other shops won’t be allowed to open in Scotland until 18 June and no date for this to happen in Wales has been announced.

Outlets such as hairdressers and nail salons are still not allowed to open until 4 July at the earliest. Cafes and restaurants are only allowed to offer a takeaway service, which is mainly due to the need to maintain a distance of two metres between people from different households.

Retailers must follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines set out by the government in May. Measures include:

Placing a poster in their windows to demonstrate awareness of the guidance and commitment to safety measures;

Storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shop floor;

Placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as beds or sofas;

Frequent cleaning of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, including self-checkouts, trolleys, coffee machines and betting terminals, for example.

A notice issued by the government, for shops to display to show that the steps have been taken in order to be COVID-19 Secure, is available here.

This government advice sets out practical actions for businesses to take based on five main steps.

The relevant guide for each workplace should also be read (see below) as these contain specific actions for businesses to take based on these steps. Further guidance will be published as more businesses are able to reopen, says the government.

Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment

Before restarting work you should ensure the safety of the workplace by:

carrying out a risk assessment in line with the HSE guidance

consulting with your workers or trade unions

sharing the results of the risk assessment with your workforce and on your website.

Develop cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures

You should increase the frequency of handwashing and surface cleaning by:

encouraging people to follow the guidance on hand washing and hygiene

providing hand sanitiser around the workplace, in addition to washrooms

frequently cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are touched regularly

enhancing cleaning for busy areas

setting clear use and cleaning guidance for toilets

providing hand drying facilities – either paper towels or electrical dryers.

Help people to work from home

You should take all reasonable steps to help people work from home by:

discussing home working arrangements

ensuring they have the right equipment, for example remote access to work systems

including them in all necessary communications

looking after their physical and mental wellbeing.

Maintain 2m social distancing, where possible

Where possible, you should maintain 2m between people by:

putting up signs to remind workers and visitors of social distancing guidance

avoiding sharing workstations

using floor tape or paint to mark areas to help people keep to a 2m distance

arranging one-way traffic through the workplace if possible

switching to seeing visitors by appointment only if possible.

Where people cannot be 2m apart, manage transmission risk

Where it’s not possible for people to be 2m apart, you should do everything practical to manage the transmission risk by:

considering whether an activity needs to continue for the business to operate

keeping the activity time involved as short as possible

using screens or barriers to separate people from each other

using back-to-back or side-to-side working whenever possible

staggering arrival and departure times

reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using ‘fixed teams or partnering’.

COVID-19: how to work safely in care homes – updated

This advice is for those working in care homes on how to work safely during this period of sustained transmission of COVID-19.

The resource has been updated from the previous version of this document; changes include:

the title has changed from “How to work safely in care homes” to better reflect the content

changes to the section relating to care for people with learning disabilities and/or autism

further detail added to recommendations including specification of surgical mask types (defined in consultation with HSE and MHRA).

The Welsh Government has introduced the Coronavirus Regulations imposing strict restrictions on gatherings, the movement of people, and the operation of businesses (some of which have been required to close temporarily).

Incrementally, as a result of regular review of the Regulations, an increasing number of these have been allowed to open again.

Businesses that are permitted to operate, or premises that are allowed to open, must do so safely in a way that complies with the Coronavirus Regulations, in addition to other legal obligations imposed on employers (such as health and safety legislation). To support businesses to work safely the Welsh Government has adopted five key principles.

Care: health and well-being comes first;

Comply: the laws that keep us safe must be obeyed;

Involve: we will share responsibility for safe work;

Adapt: we all need to change how we work;

Communicate: we must all understand what to do.

Construction and outdoor work

This document is to help employers, employees and the self-employed working in construction and other outdoor work to understand how to work safely, taking measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.

Also updated are the following guidance documents:

Wales: Chief Medical Officer’s advice on face masks

This advice from the CMO states that Welsh Government should support the public’s right to choose to wear face coverings in most settings. However, it is also noted that CMO advice continues to be that the evidence of benefits does not justify a mandatory or legislative process and that there would be potential dangers in taking such an approach in Wales.

The Coronavirus Control Plan for Wales sets out how the risks of coronavirus in Wales will be managed. It describes the different stages of the possible spread of coronavirus. It sets out what the response will be in different circumstances. It is a collective effort with everyone having a role to play; from businesses to local government, NHS Wales, Public Health Wales, the Welsh Government and the public.

The different stages are:

Prevention;

New cases and clusters;

Incidents and outbreaks;

Local or regional measures;

All-Wales measures.

The Plan details each of this stages.

The Plan:

Starts with the approach to monitoring new cases across Wales, which provides the information we need to take the right decisions at the right time;

Has a summary of the different phases of prevention and intervention. This starts with sustained changes in behaviour by maintaining physical distancing and good hygiene. It acknowledges that we must also intervene to manage and control incidents and outbreaks. This could involve increasing testing in particular places, closing specific premises, introducing wider measures across a locality or region, or (if other things prove ineffective) new all-Wales restrictions;

Sets out the criteria for deciding whether to introduce local or regional measures to protect public health. This includes indicative options for intervention in those areas – and considers also how any restrictions will subsequently be relaxed. The exact combination of measures will depend on the nature of any local outbreaks, so the list is illustrative rather than definitive;

Identifies the legal powers which public authorities in Wales have to respond at each level of response, as well as the roles and responsibilities of key actors;

Describes the governance arrangements and highlight key roles and responsibilities of different actors in delivering this plan;

Sets out the intended approach to explain what will be done. A great deal has been learned during the crisis about the need for effective communication across Wales and in specific places where issues emerge. Communications will be tailored for different groups and communities.

The Plan is available here;

A summary can be found here.

Lockdown restrictions in Scotland began to relax from 28 May.

A four-phase “route map” was published, aimed at restarting society while suppressing the virus. The document sets out the steps to reopen Scottish society, although it does not set exact timescales. It states that reviews will take place every three weeks as a minimum, to ensure Scotland is on track and to assess whether elements within each phase can be accelerated or need to be decelerated.

The four phases

Phase 1: Virus not yet contained but cases are falling. From 28 May people should be able to meet another household outside in small numbers. Sunbathing is allowed, along with some outdoor activities like golf and fishing. Garden centres and drive-through takeaways can reopen, some outdoor work can resume, and childminding services can begin.

Phase 2: Virus controlled. People can meet larger groups outdoors, and meet another household indoors. Construction, factories, warehouses, laboratories and small shops can resume work. Playgrounds and sports courts can reopen, and professional sport can begin again.

Phase 3: Virus suppressed. Meetings of people from more than one household indoors. Non-essential offices would reopen, along with gyms, museums, libraries, cinemas, larger shops, pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and dentists. Live events could take place with restricted numbers and physical distancing restrictions. Schools should reopen from 11 August.

Phase 4: Virus no longer a significant threat. University and college campuses can reopen in full, mass gatherings are allowed. All workplaces open and public transport is back at full capacity.

A guide to COVID-19 in the warehouse

Read this complete guide to safe working in warehouses during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, in line with the UK Government’s advice, from SHD Logistics.

HSE to restart “proactive” inspections of construction sites

The move follows a government announcement of more cash for the organisation and prime minister Boris Johnson promising the body would carry out “spot inspections” to make sure businesses were safe places to work. However the head of the union representing HSE inspectors has warned the organisation remains too small, reports Construction News.

The safety watchdog stopped carrying out routine inspections after the lockdown announcement in March, despite sectors such as construction continuing to operate.

HSE to prosecute and lockdown eased in England

The HSE is prepared to use its enforcement powers when necessary and will also consider criminal prosecutions, its Chief Executive Sarah Albon said. She said she is aware of a small number of firms “not doing the right thing or not sure what the right thing is to do”.

[Scotland]

Issued by the Scottish Government, the aim of this workbook is to bring into one place advice on how local and national public health agencies will provide support that helps to put in place the action needed to prevent coronavirus spread, together with advice on management of outbreaks.

It aims to aid management of the transmission of coronavirus by:

Clarifying roles and responsibilities for: service restart and recovery activity whilst preventing the spread of COVID-19

Setting out actions needed to facilitate the management of incidents and outbreak

Supporting the co-ordination and planning of actions being taken as outlined in the route map out of lockdown

Furthering shared learning during recovery.

Advice cards

The Workbook introduces the idea of Sector Advice Cards. These will be based on formal guidance documentation that has been issued by the Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland and other agencies. They will be designed to be used by those who have responsibility for an individual setting, as a single point of access to the key information on how to minimise the risk of an outbreak; what to do if someone reports symptoms of COVID-19 that may increase the chances of the virus being transmitted to others; and what would be expected of them if the local health protection team needs to act to manage a local incident or outbreak.

The COVID-19 Sector Advice card is designed for managers and employees to guide action to prevent the spread of COVID-19; to support workplace communications and training; and take action in the event of an outbreak.

The Scottish COVID-19 Workbook can be found here.

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Guidance published by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is for employers to help them get their businesses back up and running and workplaces operating safely.

The ‘COVID-19 secure’ guidelines aim to help make workplaces as safe as possible and give people confidence to go back to work during coronavirus pandemic. The documents have been developed in consultation with approximately 250 businesses, unions, industry leaders as well as devolved administrations.

The new guidance covers eight workplace settings which are allowed to be open, from outdoor environments and construction sites to factories and takeaways.

Practical steps for businesses are focused on five key points, which should be implemented as soon as it is practical:

Work from home, if you can

All reasonable steps should be taken by employers to help people work from home. But for those who cannot work from home and whose workplace has not been told to close, our message is clear: you should go to work. Staff should speak to their employer about when their workplace will open.

Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment, in consultation with workers or trade unions

This guidance operates within current health and safety employment and equalities legislation and employers will need to carry out COVID-19 risk assessments in consultation with their workers or trade unions, to establish what guidelines to put in place. If possible, employers should publish the results of their risk assessments on their website and we expect all businesses with over 50 employees to do so.

Maintain 2 metres social distancing, wherever possible

Employers should re-design workspaces to maintain 2 metre distances between people by staggering start times, creating one-way walk-throughs, opening more entrances and exits, or changing seating layouts in break rooms.

Where people cannot be 2 metres apart, manage transmission risk

Employers should look into putting barriers in shared spaces, creating workplace shift patterns or fixed teams minimising the number of people in contact with one another, or ensuring colleagues are facing away from each other.

Reinforcing cleaning processes

Workplaces should be cleaned more frequently, paying close attention to high-contact objects like door handles and keyboards. Employers should provide handwashing facilities or hand sanitisers at entry and exit points.

A downloadable notice is included in the documents, which employers should display in their workplaces to show their employees, customers and other visitors to their workplace, that they have followed this guidance.

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19): sector guidance

[updated 31 July]

The government has updated the following workplace guidance to reflect the advice on protecting people who are at higher risk.

From 1 August, clinically extremely vulnerable individuals can go to the workplace as long as it is COVID-secure but should carry on working from home wherever possible:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): General guidance for safer workplaces

[Scotland]

The Scottish Government has produced sector guidance to support a safe economic restart and ensure workplaces are safe. This guidance sets out the Scottish Government’s expectations for organisations that do not fall within the sectors that guidance is currently available for. It is noted that sector guidance must be consulted in the first instance.

Organisations need to consider mitigations to ensure workplaces are safe and the transmission of the virus is minimised. This guidance addresses five key areas, which organisations need to consider these to ensure workplaces are safe and the transmission of the virus is minimised:

Training and compliance Risk assessment – involving the workforce in a risk-based approach to a safer workplace Workforce planning and support – supporting those who should come to work, and those who should not Operational guide and checklist – changing the workplace environment to protect your workforce Deliveries, distribution and visitors – protecting your workforce and those who come on-site The guidance emphasises the importance of undertaking robust and regular risk assessments with full input from trade unions or workforce representatives, and to keep all risk mitigation measures under regular review so that workplaces continue to feel, and be, safe.

After a workplace risk assessment has been undertaken and measures to reduce the risk of transmission have been put in place, staff and their managers should use the individual risk assessment tool to identify the individual’s vulnerability level. Staff should be active participants in this risk assessment which uses factors including age, ethnicity, in addition to underlying health conditions to stratify risk.

The full guidance can be found here.

Technology sector

Issued by the Scottish Government, this guidance is for the technology sector on safe re-opening during the coronavirus pandemic.

It applies to companies where digital is a key component of the business; that is, businesses involved in the development of software or hardware, and covers sub-sectors such as cyber, data, infrastructure, and software engineering.

It came into effect on 21 August 2020 and sets out the Scottish Government’s expectations on what businesses of all sizes and sub-sectors need to consider as part of their planning for return to workplaces. The guidance emphasises in particular the importance of undertaking a robust and ongoing risk-based assessment with full input from trade union or workforce representatives, and to keep all risk mitigation measures under regular review so that workplaces continue to feel, and be, safe.

The five key areas companies should consider as part of their planning for return to the workplace and ongoing service delivery while minimising the transmission of the virus are:

Assessing risk – involving the workforce in a risk-based approach to a safer workplace;

involving the workforce in a risk-based approach to a safer workplace; Workforce planning – supporting those who should come to work, and those who should not;

supporting those who should come to work, and those who should not; Operational guide and checklist – changing the workplace environment to protect your workforce;

changing the workplace environment to protect your workforce; Deliveries, distribution and visitors – protecting your workforce and those who come on-site;

protecting your workforce and those who come on-site; Training and compliance.

Performing arts and venues sector

This guidance came into force on 21 August 2020. It states that professionals working in the performing arts and those in formal training for associated professional careers, such as in Further and Higher Education, can use this specific guidance for training, rehearsal, recording, broadcast, pre-production, creative-learning related activities and performances without an audience now, and can pursue these activities in theatres and concert halls from Monday 24 August. However, it is noted that at the time of publication, performing arts venues cannot open to the public for live performances with an audience.

Non-professionals (meaning those participating in performing arts other than for work purposes), or groups which include non-professionals, may refer to this guidance for their activities, but in order to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus must at all times do so in line with government legislation and the Staying safe and protecting others guidance, particularly in relation to the number of individuals or households meeting together.

Non-professionals who are participating in an organised outdoor activity managed by an organisation – including a business, charity or club – can, from 24 August, meet outdoors. Organisers have a duty to ensure compliance with physical distancing, hygiene measures and this and other relevant guidance, and to undertake the same risk assessment processes as referenced in this guidance for professional organisations, including member/participant representatives in those processes.

Tourism and hospitality

This guidance is for the tourism and hospitality sectors in Scotland, and for other public venues able to reopen to the public from 24 August.

The sectors covered by this guidance are diverse. It is therefore necessary for this guidance to take a strategic approach, but it is designed for use by:

All accommodation providers (hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, self-catering, caravan/holiday parks etc);

Visitor attractions;

Marine and adventure tourism;

Other activity or experience tourism operations/centres;

Tour operators;

Pubs and restaurants;

Retail aspects of tourism;

Natural spaces insofar as they relate to tourism, such as the National Parks;

Funfairs and amusement parks (static and mobile);

Bingo halls.

Events sector

Guidance for the events sector is particularly aimed at event organisers.

It aims to provide general guidance for event organisers in supporting the restart of their businesses, with a particular focus on the workforce and workplace, in order to help events restart safely at the appropriate time. It is intended to provide advice on measures that need to be considered for COVID-19 only and is not intended to be an overall event guide.

A Coronavirus (COVID-19) Events Sectoral Guidance – Operational Guide Checklist for the Workplace is available here.

This Charter has been launched to enable housebuilders to make a common commitment to operate in line with government safe working guidance. Signatories to the Charter have publicly committed to safe working practices in accordance with government and Construction Leadership Council guidance. It has been co-produced by the government and the Home Building Federation.

Through adherence to this Charter, the aim is that the industry can continue to provide much needed additions to housing supply and play its part in the country’s economic recovery while delivering on its top priority: protecting the health and safety of the home building workforce, visitors to site and the local community.

According to HBF: “The Charter is a public facing commitment which supports the very detailed protocols individual builders have in place to ensure safe working on sites.”

Assessing risk

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 risk assessment and it’ll help you manage risk and protect people.

You must:

Identify what work activity or situations might cause transmission of the virus;

Think about who could be at risk;

Decide how likely it is that someone could be exposed;

Act to remove the activity or situation, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk.

If you have fewer than five employees, you don’t have to write anything down, but it might help if you do.

In terms of ‘Talking to your workers’ – separate guidance is available to help employers let people know what they need to do to protect themselves – see below.

This guidance goes on to cover who should go to work; protecting people who are at higher risk; getting into and leaving work; the work area; moving around; common areas; good hygiene; information and guidance; and PPE.

Talking with your workers about preventing coronavirus

This guide is aimed at all employers. It explains how you can talk to your workers about preventing coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace, for example by putting in place social distancing measures, staggering shifts and providing additional handwashing facilities.

The guidance may also be useful to workers and their representatives, and those who are self-employed and work with or near other people. The law requires all employers to assess the risk of returning to work while the coronavirus outbreak is ongoing and to put steps in place to manage that risk.

This guide is designed to help you consult with workers as one part of putting in place measures to manage the risks of coronavirus in the workplace while continuing to work.

By talking to your workers, the guidance suggests that you can:

Reassure them by explaining the changes you are making;

Get their thoughts and ideas about how to change the workplace to keep people safe and to ensure those changes are workable;

Continue to operate your business safely during the outbreak.

The guide describes five different themes and suggests questions you can discuss with your workers. They are designed to get you talking with your workers about managing the risks of coronavirus.

Actions can then be taken to make sure your plans are working safely, and people have been listened to. You can hold conversations before returning to work so that plans can be developed and put in place before going back. You could then have further discussions soon after return to make sure the actions are working and are being followed.

You may also decide to repeat the discussions if something changes, for example: if new guidelines are published; or if lockdown restrictions change.

Importantly, the guidance points out that you should make sure that there is time available for managers and workers to have these conversations. The guide relies on both managers and workers having an open and honest conversation.

Wales: Unlocking our society and economy: continuing the conversation

This document sets out the steps the Welsh Government are considering in order to lead Wales out of the coronavirus pandemic.

It builds on the approach set out in the document published on 24 April (Leading Wales out of the coronavirus pandemic: a framework for recovery) which identified three pillars:

1 Measures and evidence

2 Principles underpinning adjustments to restrictions

3 Public health purpose.

It is felt that there is a growing risk that changed behaviours could lead to a rapid, possibly uncontrolled increase in the spread of the disease. To avoid this, the document notes that Wales needs to move at a pace which is matched by its capacity to identify and shut down new outbreaks of the disease – to test, trace and protect those who become ill or have the virus without symptoms and ensure that they self-isolate to protect onward transmission.

It says the next few weeks need to be spent adapting workplaces, public spaces and other places where people come in contact with each other to the necessity of maintaining social distancing.

A traffic light-style system is set out, which is based on four stages to determine how those rules could be lifted – lockdown, red, amber and green – and includes the reopening of schools, seeing family and friends, playing sports and running businesses.

There are no dates given in the document, as changes can be only made when the scientific and medical advice says it is safe to do so, it says.

The document gives some detail to how life would look under each category:

Lockdown – Schools are only open to vulnerable pupils’ children and children of key workers, people are advised to stay at home, only leaving home for essential travel and to work from home if possible.

Red – Schools enabled to manage increase in demand from more key workers and vulnerable pupils returning; local travel, including for click-and-collect retail allowed; people allowed to provide or receive care and support to/from one family member or friend from outside the household

Amber – Priority groups of pupils to return to school in a phased approach; travel for leisure allowed together with meeting with small groups of family or friends for exercise; people able toaccess non-essential retail and services; more people travelling to work;

Green – All children and students able to access education; Unrestricted travel subject to ongoing precautions; All sports, leisure and cultural activities, as well as socialising with friends permitted, with physical distancing.

The Welsh government stressed that it is monitoring the “R rate” to decide what can be lifted and when.

Workplace guidance for employers and employees: COVID19

This workplace guidance is for employers and employees. The Welsh Government is now following a cautious approach to easing this lockdown and re-opening workplaces.

This guidance aims to help employers and employees who are currently working or who will be reopening workplaces understand what we believe is important and how everyone should approach the shared endeavour of safe work. It is for all workplaces.

Key information addressed includes the following:

workforce health: if someone becomes unwell in the workplace with a new, continuous cough; high temperature; the loss or a change in their normal sense of smell or taste they should be sent home and advised to follow the advice to stay at home

keep legal: if you are permitted to operate your business you must do so safely in a way that complies with any restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus Regulations, in addition to other legal obligations imposed on employers (such as health and safety legislation)

physical distancing

risk assessment: all risks should be assessed, with meaningful discussion with staff and/or their recognised trade union, before re-commencing work. If the business or organisation is required by law to have a written risk assessment (where there are 5 or more employees) then significant findings must be written down and control measures put in place.

A key information document is also available here.

Wales: Retailers: coronavirus workplace guidance – updated 22 June

Published by the Welsh Government, this guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed in Wales understand how to work safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping as many people as possible 2 metres apart from those they do not live with.

A person responsible for carrying on a business, or providing a service (included in Part 4 of Schedule 1 to the Coronavirus Regulations) or providing a service included on this list must undertake the following in respect of any premises where the business is carried on or the service is provided. They must take all reasonable measures to ensure:

that a distance of 2m is maintained between any persons on the premises (except between two members of the same household, or a carer and the person assisted by the carer)

that persons are only admitted to the business premises in sufficiently small numbers to make it possible to maintain that distance, and

that a distance of 2m is maintained between persons waiting to enter the business premises (except between two members of the same household, or a carer and the person assisted by the carer).

All employers, employees and the self-employed in Wales are being asked to:

show care by acting with compassion and understanding

comply with laws designed to keep us all safe

involve everyone, because safety is a shared endeavour

adapt workplaces and behaviours

communicate with clarity and consistency.

The guidance sets out how to work safely and gives practical considerations of how it can be applied in the workplace. It advises that all Statutory Guidance and supplementary guidance must be taken into account, on taking all reasonable measures to maintain physical distancing in the workplace.

It applies specifically to businesses in the retail sector and branches. The guidance applies to those currently open and will help those that are currently closed consider what their operations need to look like when they are allowed to open.

It is stressed that, in order to help decide which actions to take, an appropriate COVID-19 risk assessment must be undertaken. This risk assessment must be done in consultation with the recognised trade union or, if there isn’t one, a representative chosen by workers, says the guidance.

Northern Ireland: NI Executive publishes plan for easing lockdown

A five-stage plan for easing the COVID-19 lockdown in Northern Ireland has been published by the Executive. The document sets out the approach the Executive will take when deciding how to ease rstrictions in the future.

The plan does not include a timetable, but it is hoped to reach the final stage by December.

In making decisions, the Executive will consider three key criteria: the most up-to-date scientific evidence; the ability of the health service to cope; and the wider impacts on health, society and the economy.

Measures detailed in the plan include, amongst others:

Step 1:

encouragement to those unable to work from home to return to work on a phased basis

large outdoor-based retail can open including garden centres, though associated cafes and restaurants can only offer takeaway or collection

groups of four to six people who do not share a household can meet outdoors maintaining social distancing. With the exception of people who are shielding, visits to immediate family allowed indoors where social distancing is possible

Step 2:

non-food retail can open where numbers are limited, with social distancing

groups of up to 10 can meet outdoors

as demand increases on public transport within social distancing requirements, people encouraged to walk and cycle for short journeys where possible

Step 3:

phased return to office and onsite working subject to risk assessment. Work that can be done from home should still be done from home

schools expand provision for priority groups on a part-time basis, using a combination of in-school and remote learning

gatherings can accommodate up to 30 people while maintaining social distancing

Step 4:

other “contact” retail (hairdressers, fitness studios, tattoo and piercing parlours) can open subject to mitigations following risk assessment

schools expand provision to accommodate all pupils on part-time basis with combination of in-school and remote learning

reducing and staggering demand for public transport at peak times through continued home working and staggered start times for businesses

Step 5:

all able to return to work subject to mitigations. Remote working still strongly encouraged hospitality retail (restaurants, cafes, pubs) can open subject to risk assessment, initially on a limited basis expand early-year school provision to full-time basis public transport operating full service but subject to ongoing risk assessment.



Coronavirus guidance for schools

This guidance is for schools and other educational settings on managing premises during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

It is aimed at leaders of schools and other educational settings; and members of staff with responsibility for managing premises.

Schools are advised to review their arrangements for all building-related systems but in particular:

Hot and cold water systems;

Gas safety;

Fire safety;

Kitchen equipment;

Security including access control and intruder alarm systems.

While schools should review their arrangements for all building-related systems, says the guidance, in particular the following areas are important:

Water systems – drinking water, hot water services;

Ventilation – good ventilation is essential at all times in classrooms and particularly during this period;

Fire safety – fire safety management plans should be reviewed and checked in line with operational changes;

Cleaning – new cleaning arrangements in line with coronavirus preparations should also include regular systematic checks on drainage systems, where toilets are put back into use;

All other systems – recommission all systems before re-opening, as would normally be done after a long holiday period.

This guidance is for:

all staff in educational, childcare and children’s social care settings

children, young people and other learners

It applies to:

children’s homes, including secure children’s homes

residential special schools or colleges

fostering services

visits to family homes

alternative provision

early years and childcare settings

schools, including special schools

colleges, including specialist post-16 institutions.

This guidance explains the principles of infection prevention and control to enable safe working during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Re-opening the workplace after coronavirus

What’s expected in health and safety criminal law and how can you avoid prosecution?

Your organisation is looking ahead to stepwise resumption of operations once the COVID-19 lockdown starts to be eased. But what are your health and safety criminal law obligations for the return to work and what do you need to do to stay on the right side of the criminal law? Click here to read Simon Joyston-Bechal’s advice…

Barbour Resources: Re-opening work premises after COVID-19 – Technical Guide and Director’s Briefing

The UK Government is coming under increasing pressure to review their lockdown measures, particularly in terms of the reopening workplaces. Whilst this discussion is evolving, the purpose of this guidance from Barbour is to outline to employers the range of issues that they must consider (where relevant) in preparing their offices, factories and warehouses for reoccupation.

The guidance is set out in four main sections:

Building Safety;

Plant and Equipment Safety;

Management of Safety;

Managing Wellbeing.

It does not cover construction sites, or health and social care activities. These have their own sector specific guidance in place.

Existing risk assessments may not cover COVID-19 hazards in sufficient detail, and as such employers may wish to develop a specific risk assessment as part of their reoccupation planning. They must also consider how the key findings and controls from the risk assessment are effectively communicated to staff and other interested parties and how they are implemented. The guidance sets out topic areas that a reoccupation risk assessment might cover.

Director’s Briefing

Barbour’s Director’s Briefing addresses some key questions that employers may have around re-opening the workplace following the COVID-19 lockdown:

I want to reopen my site – where do I start?

What issues do I need to think about in terms of building safety? (fire safety; water management; asbestos containing materials; deep cleaning for re-occupation)

What issues do I need to think about in terms of building safety? (fire safety; water management; asbestos containing materials; deep cleaning for re-occupation) What about plant and equipment safety?

Do I need to make changes to the overall management of safety on site?

Guidance for Businesses Re-opening after Temporary Closure

[Northern Ireland]

The purpose of this guidance note is to provide information to those responsible for premises that have been closed for a period of time and where the water supply has not been in regular use.

It is applicable in the current situation when buildings are re-opened following a period of closure as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, but it is also relevant to a period of closure for any reason. It provides guidance to ensure water quality is maintained when the water supply within a building is returned to use.

Government coronavirus guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on accessing green spaces safely

This document sets out advice on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus.

In England, you can leave your home to exercise and spend time outdoors for recreation with your household or in groups of up to six people from outside your household.

When travelling to outdoor spaces, it is important that people respect the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Do not travel to different parts of the UK where it would be inconsistent with guidance or regulations issued by the relevant devolved administration.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): transport and travel guidance

The guidance was updated on July 4 to reflect the latest advice on social distancing.

Safer transport guidance for operators

(updated 4 July 2020)

The guide, also updated to link to the list of countries and territories on the travel corridors exemption list, aims to help transport organisations in England understand how to provide safer workplaces and services for themselves, their workers and passengers. It outlines measures to assess and address the risks of coronavirus (COVID-19).

It is stressed that passengers and people working on the transport network should maintain 2 metres distance from people outside their household or support bubble.

From 4 July 2020, if you cannot keep a 2 metre distance, reduce the risk by maintaining a 1 metre distance where possible, and taking suitable mitigations.

Operators should consider and set out the mitigations already in place or will introduce, in the risk assessment.

Operators should advise staff and passengers on ways to keep their distance from other people as much as possible. There are situations where this may not be possible, for example when boarding or alighting, during security checks, on busier services, busier times of day, when walking through interchanges and when undertaking maintenance work that requires 2 people for the task.

Where the social distancing guidelines cannot reliably be followed in full, you should consider the following mitigating actions:

Creating and agreeing a single, clear approach to social distancing for all workers and passengers, where possible;

Agreeing and maintaining clear rules for workers and passengers that meet social distancing guidelines;

Clear rules for interacting with passengers, receiving goods, and testing equipment;

Reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using fixed teams, partnering or cohorting (so each person works with only a few others);

Using face coverings in situations where social distancing is not possible;

Organising the workspace and how people work in a single space to follow social distancing guidelines;

Further increasing the frequency of hand washing and access to hand sanitiser in the workplace;

Separating workspaces 2 metres apart from one another, where possible;

Using screens or barriers;

Sitting or standing side-by-side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow;

Minimising indoor interactions where possible;

Repositioning workspaces to allow for optimal ventilation;

Reducing occupancy of group interaction spaces, including spaces shared with other organisations;

Re-organising passenger flows;

Increase surface cleaning;

Keeping the activity time involved as short as possible;

Making adjustments for those with specific needs or protected characteristics, for example disabled people, older people and pregnant women;

Consider groups of people who process information differently or who may not be able to distance from others;

Advising people to avoid loud talking, shouting or singing.

Safer travel guidance for passengers

(updated 4 July 2020)

On 4 July, this guidance was updated to include information about travelling into, out of and within areas under local lockdown.

It also now includes a link to the list of countries and territories on the travel corridors exemption list.

It is advised that a 2 metre distance should be maintained because the risk of transmission is small at this distance. From 4 July 2020, government guidance on social distancing changed.

If you cannot keep a 2 metre distance, reduce the risk to yourself and others by maintaining a 1 metre distance where possible, and taking suitable precautions.

In terms of travelling, the following precautions are set out with the aim of keeping people – passengers and transport staff – safe:

Limit the number of people or households that you come into contact with, for example avoid peak travel where possible;

Wash or sanitise your hands regularly;

Use a face covering;

Avoid touching your face;

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing;

Travel side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow;

Touch as few surfaces as possible;

Stay outdoors, rather than indoors, where possible;

Minimise the time spent close to other people, where possible;

Avoid loud talking, shouting or singing;

Dispose of waste safely, including items such as used disposable face coverings.

Other travel related guidance

The government has also updated the following guidance:

Coronavrus (COVID-19): countries and territories exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel.

Updated on 4 July as the travel exemptions came into effect.

Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19) 404931

Also updated as the exemptions to the global advice against all non-essential travel came into effect (4 July). The guidance also includes a new checklist following the change in travel advice, where some countries are exempted from the global advisory against non-essential international travel (from 4 July).

Relieving pressure on public transport

The government has announced plans for boosting active transport, in an attempt to relieve pressure on public transport.

Pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions, and cycle and bus-only corridors will be created in England within weeks as part of a £250 million emergency active travel fund – the first stage of a £2 billion investment, as part of the £5 billion in new funding announced for cycling and buses in February.

Following unprecedented levels of walking and cycling across the UK during the pandemic, the plans will help encourage more people to choose alternatives to public transport when they need to travel, making healthier habits easier and helping make sure the road, bus and rail networks are ready to respond to future increases in demand.

The government will fund and work with local authorities across the country to help make it easier for people to use bikes to get around – including Greater Manchester, which wants to create 150 miles of protected cycle track, and Transport for London, which plans a “bike Tube” network above Underground lines.

Statutory guidance for local authorities

Fast-tracked statutory guidance, effective immediately, tells councils to reallocate road space for significantly-increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians. In towns and cities, some streets could become bike and bus-only while others remain available for motorists. More side streets could be closed to through traffic, to create low-traffic neighbourhoods and reduce rat-running while maintaining access for vehicles.

Vouchers will be issued for cycle repairs, to encourage people to get their old bikes out of the shed, and plans are being developed for greater provision of bike fixing facilities. Many more will take up the Cycle to Work scheme, which gives employees a discount on a new bike, the government has said.

The government as announced that an updated Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy will be launched 