THE UK
Government is helping thousands of pubs, restaurants and hairdressers reopen safely with detailed practical information to help keep staff and customers safe.
The new Covid-19 secure guidance for the hospitality sector and hairdressers meant businesses were able to reopen across England on July 4, provided they met key criteria.
UK Government officials have worked alongside over 300 key industry stakeholders and trade unions to develop clear plans in line with scientific advice and public health directions, building on existing guidance published in May.
The new guidance sets out a range of measures for pubs and restaurants to become Covid-19 secure, including:
requiring use of table service where possible instead of ordering at the bar and assigning a single staff member per table
encouraging use of contactless ordering from tables where available, such as through an app
discouraging non-essential trips by staff within venues, such as between the kitchen and front of house, by using radios and other electronic devices to communicate
encouraging customers to use hand sanitiser or hand washing facilities as they enter the venue
providing clear guidance on social distancing and hygiene as people arrive on the premises, with signage and visual aids
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “We know this pandemic has been particularly hard for people working in hairdressing and hospitality. Allowing pubs, restaurants and hairdressers to open will be another step in our plan to kickstart our economic recovery in a safe manner.”
The guidance that is set out provides clear, practical steps businesses can take to open in a way that is as safe as possible for workers and customers.
Separate guidance has been published for hairdressers, which states that a clear visor should be worn by the person providing the service, covering the face and providing a barrier between the wearer and the customer from respiratory droplets caused by sneezing, coughing or speaking.
The government is also consulting with industry on how businesses should record customer information to help keep customers and employees safe and support the new test and trace system.