Coronavirus guidance and updates

NHS Test and Trace QR code app

A new app from the NHS will be released on the 24 September in England and Wales. The app will be a critical enhancement of NHS Test and Trace in England. It will provide users with local risk information, and allow them to quickly and easily book a free test, and use a built-in QR scanner to check-in at venues. The app will allow people to know more quickly if they are at risk of the virus, so they can take action fast to protect their communities and families. 

All businesses are asked to visited the gov.uk website and create their own QR code in advance of the release of the app. More guidance can be found on the NHS website.

Making sure your business is Coronavirus secure and following the new requirements

In order to ensure that businessess can remain open, you should:

• Ask one member of every party who visit your premises to provide their contact details (& those of their group) and refuse entry to those who don’t.
• You must have a system in place to ensure you can collect that information from your customers and visitors, and provide to NHS Test and Trace, which includes the name of the individual(s), a telephone number or email address they can be contacted on, date and time the individual(s) entered the premises and where they are part of a group, the number of people in the group and each member of the group should provide the above details.
• Keep a record of all staff working on your premises including; shift day and times and contact details
• Display a QR code or official NHS QR code poster (from 24 September 2020) so customers and visitors can ‘check-in’ using this option if they prefer. 
• Organisations must have a system in place for people who do not have a smartphone or do not want to use the NHS COVID-19 app.

Rule of 6 

From 18 September 2020 new regulations came into force which requires venues providing food & drink for consumption on their premises. To comply you must:

• Not accept a table booking for a group of more than six individuals or admit a group of more than six people (Specific exemptions apply)
• Take reasonable steps to prevent separate groups of six from mingling with each other
• Ensure that tables of different groups are spaced 2m apart, or 1m plus mitigations, such as screens or barriers. 

Should you fail to comply with these legal requirements you can face a fixed penalty notice of up to £4,000.

Food safety

A campaign to support food businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic from the Food Standards Agency.

Health Protection

Guide for food businesses

Licensing

Central Licensing Administration Unit

Guidance for businesses

Government guidance has been published for businesses and other venues subject to further social distancing measures.

Relaxation of rules to allow pubs and restaurants to operate as takeaways

Friends Against Scams

Friends Against Scams aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams.

Business specific guidance for businesses looking to re-open following the COVID-19 pandemic:

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)

High Street COVID-19 signage

Signage materials