As new national restrictions begin in November, government guidelines recommend that people should stay at home where possible and should only travel to work if they cannot work from home.
For those who cannot work from home, you are advised to still go to your regular place of work so long as your employer has made the workplace as safe as reasonably possible.
Employers have a duty of care to protecting their employees and customers during coronavirus, and the government has provided step-by-step action plans on how to do this here.
The visitor economy is much broader than tourism and encompasses all staying and non-staying visitors and the activities and expenditure involved in supplying products and services for visitors by both the private and public sectors.
The visitor economy also encompasses a multitude of different working environments, from outdoor paid for attractions like theme parks to indoor attractions like stately homes or planetariums. It also includes a variety of activities and events which take place at hotels, convention and exhibition centres and conference halls and meeting rooms.
For the visitor economy, the new national restrictions mean that certain businesses and venues will be ordered to close.
Hotels and guest accommodation
Hotels and other guest accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work purposes and for a limited number of other exemptions set out in law. Restaurants and bars within guest accommodation should remain closed although food and/or drink including alcohol can be provided through room service as long as it is ordered by phone or online. Communal spaces such as lounges or lobbies may remain open to guests but no food or drink should be served in these spaces, people should be encouraged not to gather and social distancing should be observed. Further information can be found in the guidance for Hotels and Other Guest Accommodation.
Business meetings and conferences
Business meetings and events are advised against, but may take place with up to a total of 30 people if reasonably necessary – for example for the purposes of work that cannot be done at home – if social distancing can be maintained and the venue can demonstrate it has followed the Covid-19 guidance. Event spaces, including in conference centres and exhibition halls, can be used for reasons permitted by law, including for business events of up to 30 where reasonably necessary, for education and training purposes where reasonably necessary, or to provide socially beneficial public services such as Nightingale hospitals or food banks. Conference centres and exhibition halls should remain closed for conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, private dining or banqueting events.
Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services
Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services, which may continue after 10.00pm. Sale of alcohol is permitted via pre-order for collection or delivery services only.
Businesses should manage food and drink service safely. Avoid situations where customers need to collect their own cutlery and condiments and avoid contact between staff and customers.
The government has set out guidance for working safely during coronavirus online which can be accessed here.