14 May 2020

The government has issued revised guidelines for a phased approach to reopen closed businesses, following the lockdown procedures, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Five task forces have been set up to develop plans for how and when businesses can reopen safely. The task forces are looking at sectors including pubs and restaurants, recreation and leisure and places of worship. The existing measures in place will be constantly under review and will be monitored so the spread of the virus is controlled.

Evans Vanodine guidelines for recommended products and how and where to use them are still applicable for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, hands etc. https://www.evansvanodine.co.uk/coronavirus-guidelines

The government guidelines are clear and should also be followed for each sector, as per the links below.

If a business is to reopen, there are considerations relating to social distancing, more frequent disinfection of hand-touch surfaces and hand hygiene. Employers may need to update their risk assessment relating to any products used in the control of Coronavirus. Evans’ Risk Assessment Portal can help you with this https://www.evansvanodine.co.uk/coshh-risk-assessment-portal

Research has shown the virus does not survive on surfaces, at room temperature, longer than 9 days. If a building has been closed for the duration of the lockdown period, it is unlikely any virus would be present on surfaces. However, for staff and customer confidence it may be advisable to follow existing hygiene programme for cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces. 

These government links are regularly updated. If any of the below do not work, please refer back to the main link at the top of the list.

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-reopening

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-plan-to-rebuild-the-uk-governments-covid-19-recovery-strategy

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home/staying-safe-outside-your-home

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19 - this page contains links covering a range of different types of work, a selection of which are below: 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/close-contact-services

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/hotels-and-other-guest-accommodation

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/the-visitor-economy

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/factories-plants-and-warehouses

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/offices-and-contact-centres

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/shops-and-branches

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/vehicles

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/restaurants-offering-takeaway-or-delivery  

https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/reopening-checklist-for-food-businesses-during-covid-19

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes

https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/equipment-and-machinery/air-conditioning-and-ventilation.htm

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-air-travel-guidance-for-passengers