Summary of COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities (Updated 14th May 2021)
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Summary of COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose
community facilities (Updated 14th May 2021)
1. Purpose
The purpose of this document is to simplify the guidance published by the government on 12th April 2021
found via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-
of-multi-purpose-community-facilities/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-multi-purpose-community-
facilities (accessed 14.05.21)
In order for operators and users of community facilities to better understand their responsibilities and the
range of activities for which facilities can be used.
This document will summarise permitted activities with respect to community venues and the responsibilities
for operators and users of community facilities. However, this document should be read in conjunction with
relevant legislation and guidance issues by government, and it is not a substitute for independent professional
and/or legal advice.
2. Definitions
Social Distance – This means a distance of 2m or 1m plus mitigations where it is not possible to maintain a
distance of 2m.
1m plus mitigations – Where it is not possible to maintain a 2m distance at all times, community facility
operators should ensure that people can maintain a 1m distance with mitigating actions taken. These
mitigating actions can include but are not limited to: reducing the capacity of facilities, staggering access to
buildings, reducing time spent in facilities, orienting rooms/furniture so people don’t face each other (i.e. sit
side-by-side not face-to-face), wear face coverings, increase ventilation (opening windows), use one way
systems, avoid loud talking/singing, provide more hand washing/sanitising stations.
Household – This is a group of people who live together within the same property or a group of people who
live in two properties where they have formed a support bubble with each other.
3. Relevant Guidance Changes & Associated Advice
In this section the updated guidance on mitigation measures which is applicable to community venues over
the period 17th May 2021 to 21st June 2021 (assuming social distancing restrictions can be lifted at this point,
the government may choose based on infection rates to change this nationally or have alternative
arrangements at a local level) is provided.
Social Distancing
The same definitions for social distancing will apply as defined during 2020. However, new guidance from
the government indicates that from May 17th 2021 the emphasis will be on personal responsibility rather than
government rules. Instead of instructing individuals to stay 2m apart from anyone they don’t live with, they
will be encouraged to exercise caution and consider the guidance on risks associated with Covid-19 and
actions that can be taken to help keep themselves and others safe.
In some settings and circumstances, there will be specific guidance that people will need to follow with respect
to social distancing even if they are with friends and family.
Face Coverings
The Government guidance last updated on the 12th April 2021 makes it very clear that members of the public
are expected to wear a face covering in all indoor settings including community buildings, that people must
put on the face covering before entering the building and keep it on unless there is a reasonable excuse for
removing it.
1The guidance also states that face visors can be worn in addition to a face covering but are not a substitute
for a face covering as they don’t cover the mouth and nose or filter out airborne particles.
Exemptions are described within Appendix C.
Track & Trace
From 24th September 2020 community organisations with a physical location which is open to the public or
events that take place in a physical location are required to create and display QR codes for visitors using
the NHS Covid-19 app to scan on arrival. It should be stated that as of the 14th May 2021 the guidance has
not changed with respect to measures which need to be taken to support NHS Test & Trace.
If you have more than one venue, you will need to create a separate QR code for each location:
https://www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster
Venues should also continue to record and maintain contact details logs for customers, visitors, and staff,
holding this data for a period of 21 days. If this log is collected on paper it needs to be kept out of public sight
and securely stored.
This is vital for the NHS Test and Trace service in England to contact the necessary people if coronavirus
outbreaks are identified in venues.
Displaying the poster is intended to make it easier for people to check-in at different premises once the app
is rolled out nationally. If individuals choose to check-in using the QR code poster they do not need to fill out
their contact details in a log collected by organisers of activities.
Attendees should either log in with a QR code or provide their contact details at the point of entry unless
organisers collect contact details in advance.
The regulations will be enforced by Local Authorities, who will have the power to issue fines of up to £1,000
for venues that are failing to comply, or the police as a last resort. Fines will rise to up to £4,000 for repeat
offenders.
Gathering Sizes (Social Contact Limits)
From Monday 17th May 2021 up to 6 people or 2 households will be able to meet indoors and up to 30 people
outdoors.
The guidance on meeting family and friends will be updated with the public being able to make informed
decisions on close contact, such as hugging, with their friends and family. Close contact continues to carry
a risk of catching or spreading COVID-19, and people must consider the risk to themselves and to others.
COVID-secure rules remain for the workplace and businesses, such as in shops and hospitality.
Up to 30 people will now be able to attend weddings, receptions, and commemorative events including
wakes, as well as standalone life-cycle events. These can take place outdoors or at any indoor Covid secure
venue that is permitted to open. The number of people able to attend a funeral will be determined by the
number that can be safely accommodated in the venue with social distancing in place.
30 people will be able to attend a support group or parent and child group. The limit will not apply to children
under 5.
However, there are instances where people will not count towards that limit if they are there for work such as
an officiant at a wedding, these exemptions are listed in Appendix A.
In addition, from 17th May 2021 as part of step 3 of the government roadmap organised sport will be exempt
from social contact limits, it should be noted that once participants have stopped playing sport normal social
distancing rules will apply.
2Gathering Size Enforcement
The police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal
gatherings and issuing fines (fixed penalty notices).
You can be given a fixed penalty notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a
maximum of £6,400. You can be fined £800 if you go to a private indoor gathering such as a house party of
over 15 people from outside your household, which will double for each repeat offence to a maximum level
of £6,400.
If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can fine you
£10,000.
4. Permitted Uses of Community Facilities
From the 12th April 2021 to 16th May 2021 (Step 2 of Government Roadmap) the following events are
permitted to take place, provided that the event takes place outdoors, attendees are expected to arrive and
leave the event in a staggered manner throughout the day, and it does not involve attendees converging on
and congregating in a site for a specific activity such as a theatre or music performance or it is a drive-in
performance or show:
▪ Agricultural shows
▪ steam rallies
▪ flower shows
▪ gardening shows and events
▪ literary fairs
▪ car boot sales
▪ community fairs
▪ village fetes
▪ animal and pet shows
▪ funfairs and fairgrounds
▪ drive-in cinemas and drive-in performance events (e.g. comedy, dance, music, theatre, and air
shows) where attendees are expected to remain in their vehicles throughout the performance.
▪ food and drink festivals, where the festival resembles and outdoor food market or outdoor hospitality
venue, the table service rule will apply if people consume food and drink at the venue.
▪ organised sports participation events
These events are not subject to a capacity cap on attendees. However, government guidance indicates that
these vents should have fewer than 4,000 attendees per day. Event organisers should follow COVID-secure
guidance (see section 3) and must adhere to legal requirements.
From no earlier that the 17th May 2021 (Step 3 of Government Roadmap) it is intended that indoor events
and all remaining outdoor events can commence, subject to meeting COVID-secure requirements including
social distancing.
Events that are able to commence from step 3 include those where:
▪ People are likely to congregate in one area for the duration of the event.
▪ People are likely to enter of leave the venue in large numbers at a similar time.
Specific examples could be:
▪ business events such as conferences, trade shows, exhibitions, charity auctions, and private dining
events such as charity or gala dinners and awards ceremonies, and corporate hospitality
▪ cinemas
▪ live performances
▪ circuses
▪ air shows
▪ historical / battle re-enactments
3▪ live animal performances such as falconry displays at events
▪ non-elite and professional sporting events
▪ grassroots and professional sporting events
Event organisers will need to follow the relevant COVID-secure guidance, taking reasonable steps to limit
the risk of transmission, completing a related risk assessment, and adhering to all legal requirements,
including ensuring that those attending an event do not mix beyond what is permitted by social contact limits.
Organisers should also mitigate risk to public health by controlling attendance, limiting numbers to take
account of the space and ventilation of a venue, and implementing effective infection prevention and control
measures.
Restrictions on Use of Community Facilities
An event cannot take place in either step 2 (12th April 2021 – 16th May 2021) or step 3 (17th May 2021 – 21st
June 2021) if it is unlikely that social distancing between groups of attendees can be maintained, or if other
COVID-Secure requirements cannot be met.
If an event falls into this category, event organisers should approach local authorities to look at identifying
whether any adjustments to the format of the event can be made to enable the event to go ahead. This may
include the use of seating or barriers to ensure that attendees maintain an appropriate distance.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-organised-events-guidance-for-local-
authorities/coronavirus-covid-19-organised-events-guidance-for-local-authorities#requirements (accessed
14.05.21)
Community Facility Operator Responsibilities
There are general principles that operators of community spaces should follow in making their facility COVID-
Secure and safely reopening for permitted activity.
Reopening plans should be consistent with:
▪ Core public health guidance regarding health, hygiene,
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-stop-the-spread-of-coronavirus-covid-19/how-to-
stop-the-spread-of-coronavirus-covid-19) (accessed 14.05.21) and social distancing (see section 3).
▪ Safe workplace guidelines, to ensure employees are safe to return to work.
(https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19) (accessed 14.05.21)
Anyone with control of non-domestic premises (such as a community centre, village or community hall) has
legal responsibilities under health and safety law, and must take reasonable measures to ensure the
premises, access to it, and any equipment or substances provided are safe for people using it, so far as is
reasonably practicable.
To help decide which actions to take prior to re-opening the building for permitted activity, a COVID-19 risk
assessment should be completed, taking account of the core guidance on social distancing and the points
set out below. This will be in addition to any risk assessment which is already in place for the community
facility. Guidance for completing a risk assessment can be found via the following link:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/risk-assessment-template-and-examples.htm (accessed:
14.05.21)
Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) have also published a template risk assessment for
operators of community facilities which can be accessed via the following link: https://acre.org.uk/news/2021-
03-29-new-information-to-help-village-halls-reopen (accessed: 14.05.21)
4The following specific steps should be taken by operators to enable facilities to re-open according to COVID-
19 secure guidelines:
▪ Prior to re-opening a COVID-19 risk assessment should be undertaken and where a risk assessment
was undertaken in 2020 this should be reviewed.
▪ Operators should make it clear to users/hirers of community facilities that nobody displaying symptoms
or self-isolating due to symptoms in their own household should attend the premises.
▪ Sanitiser or soap & water should be provided at entry and exit points. Sanitiser and/or running water,
soap and paper towels or hot air driers should be provided in toilets and kitchens.
▪ There should be regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces including door handles, handrails,
tabletops, sinks, toilet areas, and kitchen surfaces. Ordinary domestic cleaning products can be used for
this purpose.
▪ Social distancing guidelines as set out in section 3 can be maintained.
▪ All community facilities are required to display a QR code for NHS Test and Trace.
Community facility operators will need to engage with regular hirers to ensure that the COVID-19 Secure
guidelines outlined above are clearly understood.
Further detailed guidance can be obtained from Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) via the
following link: https://acre.org.uk/rural-issues/providing-advice-and-guidance-to-help-groups.php (accessed
14.05.21)
Community Facility User Responsibilities
Users and hirers of community facilities are responsible for managing risks arising from their own activities
when they have control of premises and should take into account any specific guidance related to the activity
which they wish to undertake.
A risk assessment template for hirers/users of community facilities published by Action with Communities in
Rural England (ACRE) can be found via the following link: https://acre.org.uk/news/2021-03-29-new-
information-to-help-village-halls-reopen (accessed 14.05.21)
Practical steps users/hirers should take are as follows:
▪ Asking everyone, including staff/volunteers, to wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds
using soap and water or hand sanitiser upon entering and leaving the facility.
▪ Advising everyone, including staff/volunteers, to wear a face covering when using an indoor
community facility, except for children aged under 3 years or those who may find them difficult to
manage correctly (see Appendix C).
▪ Work with operators to ensure that a temporary record of all visitors is kept for 21 days to assist with
NHS Test and Trace in a way that is manageable and in line with data protection legislation.
5. Risk Assessment Mitigating Actions
Before opening the facility to the public, operators should complete a Covid-19 risk assessment. The risk
assessment should be used to determine the capacity of the facility allowing for a social distance of 2m or
1m plus mitigations between individuals from different households using the facility, this includes
staff/volunteers.
It should be noted that there is a clear preference within the guidance for a social distance of 2m to be
maintained, this will need to be taken into account when determining capacity and advising users/hirers of
the facility of restrictions.
Within the Covid-19 risk assessment operators will need to identify specific risks associated with the use of
the building and also identify and implement appropriate mitigating actions.
The practical recommendations given by the HSE for mitigating against Covid-19 risks include:
▪ Using floor tape/paint to mark work areas.
5▪ Providing signage reminding people to keep 2m apart.
▪ Using screens to create a physical barrier between people.
▪ Having people work side-by-side rather than face-to-face.
▪ Limiting movement of people around the facility.
With respect to limiting the movement of people the guidance for multi-purpose community facilities
recommends that the risk assessment should identify high-risk areas within buildings such as doorways and
implement practical mitigating actions which include:
▪ Using multiple exit & entry points (taking into account reasonable adjustments for people with
disabilities).
▪ Introducing one way systems (identified with floor markings or signage).
▪ Managing arrival & departure times.
▪ Introducing socially distanced queuing systems.
More detailed HSE guidance on undertaking Covid-19 risk assessments can be found via the following link:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/risk-assessment-template-and-examples.htm (accessed:
14.05.21)
Further practical guidance on putting in place reasonable mitigating actions as part of risk assessments for
operators and users of community facilities are available from ‘Action with Communities in Rural England’
(ACRE) via the following link: https://acre.org.uk/cms/resources/re-opening-information-sheet-v.10-april-
2021-2.pdf (Accessed: 14.05.21)
6. Social Distancing & Capacity
From the 17th May 2021 up to 6 people or 2 households will be able to meet indoors and up to 30 people
outdoors.
A social distance of 2m or 1m with risk mitigations where maintain a distance of 2m is not possible between
individuals from different groups of 6 individuals or groups comprising 2 households.
As part of the COVID-19 risk assessment operators of community facilities should identify an advisory limit
on the maximum number of users able to us the community facility while maintaining a social distance
between different groups of 6 individuals or groups comprising 2 households. The size and layout of the
premises will determine the maximum number of people that can be accommodated while also facilitating
social distancing. In order to achieve social distancing requirements, as far as possible, managers will need
to work out the capacity of rooms and set limits on the number of people permitted to use a particular hall or
room at any one time.
As a starting point, this might be around one quarter of the seating or (for non-seated activities, dancing)
capacity set for fire safety purposes or the size of the room in square metres divided by 4 (the answer may
not be the same, because the fire capacity is usually based on the number of fire exits). As this method will
be based on individuals attending, rather than groups of no more than 6 people or 2 households, this offers
a cautious approach and testing out different layouts may allow different (higher) capacities for different
activities.
Community facilities which are COVID-19 secure from the 17th May 2021 will be able to hold indoor
gatherings, subject to capacity limits identified as part of the COVID-19 risk assessment to ensure the safety
of the public and prevent mass gatherings from taking place.
Numbers permitted at weddings, wedding receptions and other life-event religious ceremonies (funerals,
baptisms etc.) are limited to 30 at step 3 of the government road map (17th May 2021 – 20th June 2021).
See https://acre.org.uk/cms/resources/re-opening-information-sheet-v.10-april-2021-2.pdf (Accessed:
14.05.21) for further details.
67. Cleaning & Toilets
Facilities must be cleaned after each use, sufficient time needs to be given to this activity in between groups
of users using the facility, this will affect the numbers of groups that can use the facility during opening hours
and should be described within the Covid-19 risk assessment.
Frequently used objects, surfaces or spaces e.g. entrance/exit doorways, should be given particular attention
when cleaning, this should be done using standard cleaning products.
Where possible windows and non-fire doors should be opened to improve ventilation, other measures that
will usually be needed are the provision of:
▪ Signs & posters promoting good handwashing technique, the need to increase frequency of
handwashing, the need to avoid touching your face, the need to cough or sneeze into a tissue which
should be binned safely or into the crook of your arm if a tissue is not available.
▪ Hand sanitiser in multiple locations, such as reception areas, in addition to washrooms.
▪ Clear cleaning and usage guidance for toilets with increased frequency of cleaning in line with usage
with social distancing is achieved as far as possible.
▪ Hand drying facilities e.g. paper towels or electrical dryers.
Regarding toilets the following practical steps will be usually needed in addition to the steps above are:
▪ Consider using social distancing marking (e.g. floor tape/paint) in areas where queues normally form,
and the use a limited entry approach (e.g. one in, one out), while avoiding creating additional
bottlenecks.
▪ Ensure the availability of suitable handwashing facilities including running water and liquid soap, also
consider making hand sanitiser available on entry to toilets.
▪ Consider the use of disposable cloths or paper roll to clean all hard surfaces.
▪ Keep facilities well ventilated e.g. by fixing doors open where appropriate.
▪ Take special care with the cleaning of portable toilets and larger toilet blocks.
▪ Display visible and up to date cleaning schedules.
▪ Provide additional rubbish bins and more frequent rubbish collection.
If a facility is being cleaned after a known or suspected case of Covid-19 then you will need to refer to the
guidance contained in the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings/covid-19-
decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings (Last Accessed: 14.05.21)
More detailed HSE guidance on appropriate cleaning arrangements can be found via the following link:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/cleaning/index.htm (Last Accessed: 14.05.21)
8. Vulnerable People
The advice to shield has ended for clinically extremely vulnerable people however, it is important that they
continue to follow the rules that are in place for everyone. (See sections 3, 4 & 6 for further information)
9. Enforcement
Enforcing authorities such as the HSE or your local authority are empowered to take a range of actions to
improve the control of risks, this would cover building operators and employers not taking appropriate action
to ensure social distancing, where possible.
Failure to complete a Covid-19 risk assessment or completing a Covid-19 risk assessment but failing to put
in place sufficient mitigating measures, could constitute a breach of health and safety law.
The actions an enforcing authority can take include the provision of specific advice (through enforcement
notices) to building operators and employers to support them to achieve the required standard.
7Serious breaches and failure to comply with enforcement notices can constitute a criminal offence, with
serious fines and even imprisonment for up to 2 years. There is also a wider system of enforcement, which
includes specific obligations and conditions for licensed premises.
Employers and building operators are expected to respond to any advice or notices issued by enforcing
authorities rapidly and are required to do so within any timescales imposed by the enforcing authorities.
Community Facility Capacity Considerations – Worked Examples
Indoor Venues
Scenario A – Indoor Market
For indoor activities from 17th May 2021 the ‘rule of six’ still applies with respect to gatherings, so the
following measures are also still applicable.
You are an operator of a village hall which consists of a single room, male & female toilets, a main entrance
and also has a fire door, a diagram is shown below:
You have undertaken a Covid-19 risk assessment for the use of the venue as an indoor market and have
determined the maximum number of stalls and persons that can be accommodated within the venue
(including stall holders) based upon the dimensions of the building and the required mitigating actions to
make the space Covid secure as identified within your Covid-19 risk assessment, these may include:
▪ Using the Fire door as an exit and setting up a one way system.
▪ Ensured all windows and doors will be open while venue is in use to increase ventilation.
▪ Using tape to place markings on the floor showing 2 metre distancing where people can stand.
▪ Have set up a queuing system outside the venue, also with 2m distance markings on the floor so
people know where to stand.
▪ Marked out stall locations.
▪ Have put up signage around the venue reminding people to social distance and to use hand sanitiser
provided.
▪ Have put hand sanitising points near the entrance and exit of the building.
▪ Have used floor markings to set up a queuing system for the toilets and have put up signage indicating
the usage policy.
For example, this could be six stalls within the hall with a capacity for 35 persons within the hall including stall
holders to enable a 2m distance to be maintained between persons from different households, where it is
possible for a group consisting of six people to visit the market together where members of one household
(including support bubble) need to maintain a 2m distance with people from other households within their
group.
If a couple attends with a friend from a different household who is not part of a support bubble forming a
group, the friend must maintain a 2m distance from the couple and the group as a whole must maintain a 2m
distance from other people in the hall. But other people can attend the indoor market provided the capacity
as determined by the Covid-19 risk assessment is not exceeded.
8It is not permitted for groups to comprise of more than 6 people, where a social distance must be maintained
between individuals from different households within the group. Such groups cannot mingle with anyone from
outside their group.
This means that where someone who is attending the market as part of a group consisting of 6 people cannot
chat to someone else they see at the event who is not part of the group.
Groups of more than 6 people can gather if they are from the same household. However, if you believe based
upon your Covid-19 risk assessment that admitting a group of people of a certain size into your venue would
not enable social distancing to be maintained at the capacity indicated within your Covid-19 risk assessment
then mitigating action would be required. This could include:
▪ Reducing the capacity of the venue, this could mean letting more people leave to reduce the amount
of people within the venue so that when you admit the group the number of people inside (group +
others) is less than the potential capacity indicated within the Covid-19 risk assessment.
▪ If possible asking the group to split up while inside the venue or refusing entry.
It should be stated that under the current guidance there is a preference for a social distance of 2m to be
maintained with a social distance of 1m plus mitigations only being used where this is not possible.
You will need to make the group organising the market aware of the capacity and the procedures that you
have established to ensure the facility is Covid-19 secure for that capacity and that they are responsible for
enforcing those procedures for the duration of their booking.
You will need to liaise with the group taking the booking to ensure that the contact details of people attending
the venue are recorded and kept for a period of 21 days to assist the Test & Trace service in the event of any
attendees subsequently testing positive for Covid-19. In addition, you will have needed to have produced a
QR code for the venue which is displayed at the entrance for people with the NHS Covid-19 app to use.
Scenario B – Wedding/Civil Partnership Ceremony
You are an operator of a village hall which consists of a single room, male & female toilets, a main entrance
and also has a fire door, a diagram is shown below:
From 17th May 2021 up to 30 people can attend a wedding reception indoors. The organiser should take all
reasonable steps to limit the risks of transmission and must adhere to the gathering limit of up to 30 people.
If the event is taking place outdoors, it can be partially sheltered with, for example, a marquee, provided that
at least 50% of the walled area remains open.
You could demonstrate having undertaken all reasonable steps by having a current Covid-19 risk assessment
in place for the use of the venue, if you undertook an assessment in 2020 this will need to have been updated,
the following practical mitigations may be put in place following the risk assessment:
▪ Using the Fire door as an exit and setting up a one way system.
▪ Ensured all windows and doors will be open while venue is in use to increase ventilation.
▪ Have set up a queuing system outside the venue, also with 2m distance markings on the floor so
people know where to stand.
▪ Put a maximum time limit that the venue can be used for the ceremony to limit contact as far as
possible.
9▪ Have put up signage around the venue reminding people to social distance and to use hand sanitiser
provided.
▪ Have put hand sanitising points near the entrance and exit of the building.
▪ Have used floor markings to set up a queuing system for the toilets and have put up signage indicating
the usage policy.
The current government guidance provides further guidance on weddings within the link provided below:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-wedding-and-civil-partnership-ceremonies-receptions-
and-celebrations (accessed: 14.05.21)
It should be stated that under the current guidance there is a preference for a social distance of 2m to be
maintained with a social distance of 1m plus mitigations only being used where this is not possible for
transitory periods, such as negotiating bottlenecks.
If you as the wedding organiser are not the venue manager (i.e. A third party that’s has taken
bookings/arranged the ceremony) with respect to weddings/civil partnerships, you should make the venue
manager aware of the capacity and the procedures that you have established to ensure the facility is Covid-
19 secure and that they are responsible for enforcing those procedures for the duration of the ceremony.
Where you as the wedding organiser are not the venue manager you will need to liaise with the venue
manager to ensure that the contact details of people attending the venue are recorded and kept for a period
of 21 days to assist the Test & Trace service in the event of any attendees subsequently testing positive for
Covid-19. In addition, the venue manager will have needed to have produced a QR code for the venue which
is displayed at the entrance for people with the NHS Covid-19 app to use.
Appendix A – Exemptions from Social Distancing Guidelines
In the following cases from the 17th May 2021 for events subject to capacity caps, the caps refer to event
attendees only. Staff, workers, and volunteers covered by the work exemption are not counted as part of the
cap. This includes:
▪ Contractors
▪ Administrators
▪ Delivery Staff
▪ Operational Team (Such as reception, maintenance, cleaning, security & stewarding and ticketing
staff)
▪ Caterers and concession stand staff.
▪ Presentation/production team
▪ Exhibitors, speakers, musicians, and performers
This should be applied consistently across all types of events. For more detail please see the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-organised-events-guidance-for-local-
authorities/coronavirus-covid-19-organised-events-guidance-for-local-authorities
10Appendix B – Employer Responsibilities
Step Detailed Description
1. Carry out a Covid-19 risk ▪ Carry out a risk assessment in line with HSE Guidance
assessment. ▪ Consult workers or trade unions
▪ Share results of risk assessment with your workers & on your website
2. Develop cleaning, handwashing ▪ Encouraging people to follow the guidance on handwashing & hygiene
& hygiene procedures. ▪ Providing hand sanitiser around the workplace, in addition to washrooms
▪ Frequently cleaning, 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 (paper towels or electrical dryers)
3. Help people to work from home. ▪ Discussing home working arrangements
▪ Ensuring they have the right equipment
▪ Including staff in all necessary communications
▪ Looking after physical & mental wellbeing of staff
4. Maintain 2m social distancing, ▪ Putting up signs reminding workers/visitors of social distancing guidance
where possible! ▪ Avoiding shared workstations
▪ Using floor tape or paint to mark areas to help people keep a 2m distance
▪ Arranging one-way traffic through the workplace if possible
▪ Seeing visitors by appointment only is possible
5. Where people cannot be 2m ▪ Considering whether an activity is required for service/business to
apart manage transmission risk. operate
▪ Keeping time for activity as short as possible
▪ Using screens/barriers to separate people from each other
▪ Using back-to-back or side-to-side working where possible
▪ Staggering arrival & departure times
▪ Reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using
‘fixed teams or partnering’
Appendix C – Wearing Face Coverings
(12th April 2021 Updated Government Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-
coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-
make-your-own)
You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to. This includes (but is
not limited to):
• Young children under the age of 11 (Public Health England do not recommend face coverings for
children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons).
• Not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or
impairment, or disability.
• If putting on, wearing, or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress.
• If you are providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate.
• To avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others.
• To avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you.
• If a police officer or other official requests, you remove your face covering.
11There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering when asked:
• If asked to do so in a bank, building society, or post office for identification.
• If asked to do so by shop staff or relevant employees for identification, the purpose of assessing
health recommendations, such as a pharmacist, or for age identification purposes including when
buying age restricted products such as alcohol.
• If required in order to receive treatment or services, for example when getting a facial.
• In order to take medication.
• If you are delivering a sermon or prayer in a place of worship.
• If you are the persons getting married in a relevant place.
• If you are undertaking exercise or an activity and it would negatively impact your ability to do so.
• If you are an elite sports person, professional dancer or referee acting in the course of your
employment.
• When seated to eat or drink in a hospitality premise such as a pub, bar, restaurant, or café. You
must put a face covering back on once you finish eating or drinking.
Exemption Cards
If you have an age, health, or disability reason for not wearing a face covering:
• You do not need to routinely show any written evidence of this.
• You do not need to show an exemption card.
Carrying an exemption card or badge is a personal choice and is not required by law.
Those wishing to use an exemption card or badge can download a template using the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
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