The government has announced the removal of remaining legal lockdown restrictions beginning Monday 19 July. This means:
- Hospitality venues will no longer be required to provide table service or follow social distancing rules.
- All remaining businesses and venues, such as nightclubs, can reopen.
- All capacity limits at sporting, entertainment, or business events will be lifted.
Coronavirus is still a risk to all and businesses should follow the government’s ‘Working Safely’ guidance. While people will no longer be instructed to work from home, it is recommend that workplaces instigate a gradual return during the summer. Employers still have a legal duty to manage risks to those affected by their business. This should include:
- Conducting health and safety risk assessments that include COVID-19 risks.
- Cleaning surfaces that people touch regularly.
- Identifying poorly-ventilated areas and taking steps to improve air flow.
- Ensuring staff and customers who are unwell do not attend the premises.
- Communicating to staff and customers the measures you have put in place.
Organisations in higher risk settings are encouraged to use the NHS COVID Pass as a condition of entry, especially in large, crowded settings. This will be available through the NHS app, online at NHS.UK, or by ringing NHS 119.
Businesses are also encouraged to continue displaying QR codes for customers using the NHS COVID-19 app, or to continue collecting customer contact details to support NHS Test and Trace. Although this will no longer be a legal requirement, it helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 by letting people know they’ve been exposed. Alerts will not tell people to self-isolate or name the venue, and venues won’t need to close if there is an alert.
