New NHS COVID-19 app to support test and trace
Launching on 24 September, the new NHS COVID-19 app will help businesses meet the new legal requirement to record the contact details of customers, visitors and staff on their premises.
Following the launch of the new COVID-19 app, customers and visitors in England will be able to check-in on entry with their phone instead of filling out a check-in book or tool specific to a business. This will allow NHS Test and Trace to contact customers with public health advice should there be a COVID-19 outbreak. Businesses who are already using their own QR system are being encouraged to switch to the NHS Test and Trace QR code. An alternative check-in method must be maintained to collect the contact details of those who don’t have the app, for example a handwritten register.
You should create and display a QR code if you are:
- A business, place of worship or community organisation with a physical location that is open to the public
- An event which is taking place in a physical location
Once you have registered for your QR code you are being encouraged to display the NHS QR code posters in a place that is visible on entry to the business. Find out more
Government Statement on Tuesday 22 September
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement to the House of Commons on Tuesday to outline the Government’s response to the rising number of Coronavirus cases, including new restrictions in England.
In summary:
- From Thursday 24 September all pubs, bars, and restaurants must operate a table service only (except for takeaways)
- Also, from Thursday, all hospitality venues must close at 10:00pm. Takeaways should also close, but they can continue to provide delivery services after 10:00pm
- The requirement to wear face coverings has been extended to include staff in retail, all users of taxis/private hire and to staff and customers in indoor hospitality with the exception of when seated at a table to eat or drink.
- In retail, leisure, tourism and hospitality settings, the Government’s COVID-19 secure guidelines will become legal obligations. Businesses will be fined and can be closed if they breach the rules.
- From Monday 28 September a maximum of 15 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions. Up to 30 will still be able to attend funerals.
- Business events, and large sports events, will not be able to reopen from 1 October as intended.
- Office workers who can work from home have been asked to do so. In professions where this is not possible, people should continue to go into their workplace.
- The rule of six will be extended to all adult indoor team sports.
These rules will be enforced by tighter penalties. The penalty for breaking the rule of 6 or not wearing a mask when required will double to £200 for a first offence. The police will be provided with extra funding, and given the ability to draw on military support when needed. We will update you as and when more guidance becomes available.
Other updates
New measures to support and enforce self-isolation in England from 28 September
From 28 September, people will be legally required to self-isolate when instructed to by NHS Test and Trace. Fines for those breaching self-isolation rules will start at £1,000, in line with the penalty for breaking quarantine after international travel, and can increase to up to £10,000 for repeat offences and for more serious breaches, including for those preventing others from self-isolating. For example, this could include business owners who threaten self-isolating staff with redundancy if they do not come to work. A number of steps will be taken to make sure that people are complying with the rules.
A payment of £500 will be available for people in England who are on lower incomes, cannot work from home and have lost income as a result of self-isolating. Local Authorities are setting up these self-isolation support schemes which are expected to be in place by 12 October. Those who start to self-isolate from 28 September will receive backdated payments once the scheme is set up in their Local Authority.
Visit England Updates
We’re Good to Go social media campaign
Do look out for the We’re Good to Go social media campaign that goes live on Monday, 21 September to support and raise consumer awareness of We’re Good To Go, please see the video on our Youtube channel. Feel free to share it across your own channels
Key links
- See our Business Advice Hub for tips and advice on reopening and more.
- If you would like to stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 news for tourism and events businesses please sign up to our industry newsletter.
