If there was one word to describe this year’s pandemic, it might be “confusion”. With constantly changing rules, it’s become a struggle to just keep up. Everyone has expressed their confusion, especially as the rules tend to change immediately.
It makes running and operating a business all the more challenging. They play a crucial role in keeping infection numbers down, so clarity isn’t just appreciated – it’s necessary. So with September being a month of many changes, let’s break down the government’s newest rules and what they mean for your company.
Hands, face, space
Hands, face, space is the government’s latest campaign to boost public awareness of the coronavirus. They are rules we’ve known about for some time, but the campaign exists to reiterate the importance of washing your hands regularly, covering your face in enclosed spaces, and staying two metres apart. As we head into winter, we create an environment where the virus can thrive, which is why this advice bears repeating.
For businesses, the onus is on you to make sure your employees, customers, and clients abide by the rules. Since Monday 14th September, groups are restricted to six maximum (in England). So hospitality businesses, for example, are in charge of ensuring they don’t host groups larger than this.
By not following these restrictions, you risk receiving a fine. As numbers begin to spike again, the government is committed to cracking down on businesses who take a laissez-faire approach. Private businesses must also ensure they are doing everything they can to keep their employees safe. It means some might not want to come back to the office. The government’s stance here is that it is very much a dispute between you and your employee, but recommends finding a solution that works for all.
Track and trace
We’ve talked in length about track and trace before, but now the government is taking a harder stance. From the 18th September, the government mandated that certain businesses had to have a track and trace system in place. This means they need a system that will collect and hold details for 21 days.
It is mainly those in the hospitality sector who have to collect details. The idea is to create a network of information that will allow the government to notify people if they have potentially been in contact with the virus. Failure to follow this rule could lead to heavy penalties.
Our advice for businesses would be to seek an efficient way to collect details. Pen and paper won’t cut it; you need a digital alternative that makes inputting details quick and easy. It’s convenient for you and, more importantly, your customers.
Local lockdowns
If you oversee multiple stores or locations across a region, you might have to deal with the difficulties of a local lockdown. As of now, Bolton is the prime example as the town has its own host of rules. Restaurants and pubs can now only operate as takeaways and have to be closed by 10 p.m. People also cannot meet others outside of their household, even if under the nationwide 6 person limit.
If you operated a business in Bolton and in Manchester, you would have to juggle two sets of rules. How can you still work effectively? The key is to communicate with staff to ensure they know what is expected of them. This is an all-encompassing tip as it includes everything above. Your job is to find a way to communicate with staff.
With multiple teams, you need to convey rules to one group but not the other(s). A centralised, digital tool that allows you to break down your staff team by team will best suit you. It lets you send messages to relevant staff only and is much more efficient than email. It may also be the time to come up with a contingency plan in case your area also goes into lockdown.
The last few months have been difficult and life will likely stay this way for the foreseeable future. By staying abreast of the rules and preparing sooner rather than later, we can make things go much smoother.
Inform People can provide a solution to all the above problems. Keep staff in the know when it comes to the latest regulations and communicate quickly at the touch of a button. To find out what we can do for you, get in touch via email.
