We are following the Government's plans to relax some COVID-19 restrictions but it's still important to follow the rules to keep everyone safe.
Thank you for everything you have done to keep one another safe over the last year and a half.
None of this work could have been done without you.
While cases are high and rising, everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious.
Businesses must have risk assessments which include covid controls bespoke to the premises and consider all their work activities.
Whilst most covid restrictions ended on 19 July, employers have legal duties to take all reasonable measures to safeguard employees and any visitors/customers.
This means the majority of the controls currently in place should remain, unless a business can prove they have other control measures in place which prevent the spread of the virus.
Businesses should base their risk assessments on asymptomatic cases, therefore people should remain apart to prevent being contacts of people at work or use PPE/screens where distance isn’t possible to prevent transmission of the virus.
It is up to a business to put these measures into their risk assessments and consult with unions where appropriate to make these practices part of business as usual.
Businesses should also assess the structure of the building and ensure good ventilation
We will always recommend businesses follow the Government’s guidance and the principles set out in working safely guidance:
- Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance from Step 4 - GOV.UK website
From 19 July 2021, Environmental Health Officers still have legislative powers to deal with outbreaks or premises that pose a significant risk to people.
Environmental Health will continue to work with colleagues in Public Health to deal with outbreaks in premises, identifying contacts, and business advice on preventing the spread of the virus within a workplace
Guidance
As we work towards the re-opening of the borough. If you are planning to reopen, please review the important guidance:
- Working safely during COVID-19 in shops and branches - PDF download
- Find out how to make your workplace COVID secure - GOV.UK website
- How to carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment - HSE website
- Cleaning your workplace safely - GOV.UK website
- Safe workplaces: Is my business allowed to reopen? - Business Growth Hub website
- HSE resources and latest information - HSE website
Pavement licenses
The Planning and Building Act 2020 has introduced a temporary licensing system for the provision of furniture on the highway for:
- Use as a public house, wine bar or other drinking establishment; or
- Other use for the sale of food or drink for consumption on or off the premises
Apply
Workplace testing
As the government workplace testing has come to an end, Oldham Council may be able to help your business by providing you with either a regular supply of home testing kits, or free onsite rapid testing through our outreach testing team. If you would like further details email:
NHS Test & Trace
Designated venues in certain sectors must have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff to help break the chains of transmission of coronavirus.
This includes a legal requirement to display an official NHS Test and Trace QR code poster.
Business Grants
A range of business grants are available to support businesses throughout the pandemic.
Keep indoor places well ventilated
Evidence suggests that the virus is less likely to be passed on in well-ventilated buildings and outdoors.
Try to leave windows and doors open in areas where people from different households come into contact or move activity outdoors if you can.
Use external extractor fans to keep spaces well ventilated and make sure that ventilation systems are set to maximise the airflow rate.
Heating and cooling systems can be used at their normal temperature settings.