Roadmap out of lockdown.
The Prime Minister announced on 22 February the government's roadmap out of the national lockdown. The main dates relating to businesses are currently (no earlier):
29 March: Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open air swimming pools allowed to re-open.
12 April: This is the proposed date all non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers, beauty salons, tattoo studios, nail bars etc, public buildings inc libraries and community centres will be allowed to re-open.
Hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors from this date - but customers must order, eat and drink whilst seated.
17 May: Most businesses but those in the highest risk sectors will be able to re-open including indoor hospitality - customers must still order, eat and drink whilst seated.
Other indoor businesses allowed to re-open are: cinemas, children play areas, indoor adult group sports and exercise classes, hotels and the rest of the accommodation sector.
21 June: This is the date the government hopes to remove all legal limits on social contact and re-open all remaining businesses.
It is important to note the above dates are what we are all working towards - however the government may change the dates if they must.
Roadmap out of lockdown
Re-opening businesses and venues
Better Business for All Coronavirus Roadmap for Hospitality (PDF 172.53KB)
All government announcements on Coronavirus
This page will be updated, as and when new information and guidance is announced.
Guidance for businesses during Covid-19
Recent changes have been made to guidance. Businesses and workspaces which are permitted to open must ensure their premises are 'covid secure' and you are aware of any changes which affect your business sector. 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.
If you have any questions please contact your Environmental Health team.
Collection of customer, visitor and staff details and QR Codes
Requirements for collecting customer, visitor and staff contact details has changed.
The Collection of Contact Details Regulations requires you to display a NHS QR code poster and request that customers and visitors check in to your premises. If individuals do not have the NHS COVID-19 app you must have a system in place to collect their details.
You must now request that every individual scans the NHS QR code or provide their contact details upon arrival, not just the lead member of the group.
An open letter to all businesses who must collect contact details (PDF 76 KB)
New Venue Alerts Process - A guide for businesses poster (PDF 144 KB)
Hospitality Fact Sheet - Venue Check In Regulations poster (PDF 561 KB)
Hospitality venues only: You must take reasonable steps to refuse entry to those who refuse to participate. This means you must to the best of your ability comply with the requirement to refuse entry.
Further guidance on the requirements:
Maintaining records of staff, customers & visitors to support NHS Test & Trace - .Gov.uk
Guidance to ensure you are GDPR compliant when collecting and storing contact details - The Information Commissioners Office (ICO)
If you are unsure how these new regulations affects your business please get in touch.
Play Your Part Campaign - Protect your workforce
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership - Support for Hertfordshire Businesses
The Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership has a toolkit of advice and support for local businesses re-opening, diversifying or manufacturing new products during the coronavirus pandemic. The toolkit has been updated following the Governments Roadmap out of lockdown announcement.
Working safely for different work sectors
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:
The below guidance are updated as changes come in. Please ensure you are on top of any changes affecting your work sector.
Risk assessments and working safely
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