The Prime Minister announced on Monday 4 January 2021 that as of 00:01 Tuesday 5 January all of England will be going back into a National Lockdown and is expected to last until the middle of February.

This means:

  • Everyone must work from home if they can.
  • All non-essential shops must remain closed - they may operate as a click and collect (collection off premises) and delivery only.
  • All close contact businesses - hairdressers, barbers, personal beauty, tattooists etc. must close.
  • All gyms, leisure and sports centres must close.
  • Community centres and halls must close except for a limited number of exempt activities which can be found in the full guidance below.
  • All primary schools, secondary schools and colleges will be moved to remote learning - except for children of key workers and vulnerable children.

 

National Lockdown: Stay at Home Guidance

Press Release: Prime Minister announces National Lockdown: Stay at Home Alert

After reading the guidance if you are unsure of what it means for your business please contact Environmental Health for advice.

Environmental Health Officers, Hertsmere Covid Marshals and Trading Standards Officers will be monitoring compliance with these regulations, with police support provided if appropriate. Business and premises that breach them will be subject to prohibition notices, and potentially unlimited fines.

All government announcements on Coronavirus

Financial support for businesses during the second lockdown.

This page will be updated, as and when new information and guidance is announced.

Guidance for businesses during Covid-19

Businesses and workspaces which are permitted to remain open must ensure their premises are 'covid secure'. You must conduct a risk assessment specific to your business and complete the 'Covid secure' checklist.

Not all businesses are currently allowed to trade. Make sure your business is ready once the restrictions are lifted.

NHS Test and Trace app and QR Codes

On Thursday 24 September, the NHS Test and Trace app and QR codes were officially launched. 
Businesses must register for an official NHS QR code and display the official NHS QR code poster on their premises. This will allow users of the NHS Test and Trace app to 'check-in' to their venue by scanning the code.

Users will then be alerted anonymously and efficiently if they have checked into a venue where they may have come into contact with someone with coronavirus.

Using the QR code will help businesses meet the new legal requirement to record the contact details of customers, visitors and staff on their premises.

In England, people who ‘check-in’ on the app do not have to provide their contact details as part of the staff, customer and visitor logs the business has in place.

If you are unsure how this affects your business please get in touch.

How to create a Coronavirus NHS QR code for your business

 

Play Your Part Campaign - Protect your workforce

Hertfordshire County Council have put together a toolkit for local businesses to ensure they are Covid Secure.

The toolkit has a number of resources available including: Posters, Leaflets, Guidance, Checklists and Templates to help local businesses.

Other useful information:

An open letter to Hertfordshire Businesses from Jim McManus the Director of Public Health, Hertfordshire

An open letter from Hertsmere's Commercial Team to all businesses on the importance of acting on suspected and confirmed cases and the NHS Test and Trace.

Flow chart for workplaces showing steps to take if there is a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19

Play your part poster for businesses

Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership - Support for Hertfordshire Businesses

The Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership has advice and support for local businesses re-opening, diversifying or manufacturing new products during the coronavirus pandemic.

For other agencies that are providing support and advice at this time go to our page Business Advice and Support.

Working safely for different work sectors

The below guidance was produced prior to the second lockdown on 5 November. They are likely to be updated once restrictions begin to be lifted on 3rd December.

The Government has produced guidance to working safely during the coronavirus for twelve specific work sectors along with five practical steps for business to take and a poster for your use to reassure your customers:

Risk assessments and working safely

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has produced guidance on risk management and for working safely during the coronavirus outbreak.

HSE guidance on risk assessments

HSE short guide on working safely during the coronavirus outbreak

Guidance to help businesses carry out a risk assessment

An example template of a COVID-19 risk assessment - Please note this has been produced by HSE of Northern Ireland, the law relating to which businesses can remain open or re-open may differ to England.

Risk assessment template (Word 29kb)

HSE Risk assessment template (PDF 588kb)

Guidance on legionella

Guidance on legionella risks during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Guidance and checklist for re-opening food businesses

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have produced guidance and a checklist for food businesses re-opening during COVID-19:

 

Further guidance is also available from Gov.uk:

 

Holding Events during Coronavirus

Any events must be Covid secure. The Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership has produced guidance on hosting secure events.

Further information on organising an event can be found on our dedicated Event page.

 

Resources for out of school clubs, groups, activities and classes

An open letter to providers of out of school clubs, groups, activities and classes (PDF 165 KB)

Protocol for clubs and activities reporting Covid-19 cases (PDF 142KB)

Latest National Guidance to help clubs remain Covid secure

Risk Assessment templates at Hertfordshire LEP business support