Guidance updates are coming in think and fast now as the Omicron variant accelerates its spread across the UK.
Business leaders need to stay ahead in terms of implementing changes and importantly reviewing and updating their COVID Risk Assessments and controls. Here is the latest update regarding the need to prove your Covid status for working or gaining access to certain venues and work environments.
Prove your coronavirus (COVID-19) status to work at venues or events operating COVID-19 status check:
Below are the main points of the latest Guidance:
Venues or events at which proof of COVID-19 status is advised:
Venues where the NHS COVID Pass is required for visitors
You should prove your vaccine-or-test COVID-19 status to work at all nightclubs, dance halls and discotheques. It is advised that you prove your COVID-19 status to work in customer-facing roles at all these venues at all times, unless they are not acting as a nightclub (for example by closing their dance floor) or they are holding an exempt event (see the Exempt activities section below).
Other venues acting as nightclubs, dance halls and discotheques:
You are also advised to prove your COVID-19 status to work in customer-facing roles in all other venues that:
- are open at any point between 1am and 5am
- serve alcohol after 1am
- have a dancefloor (or space for dancing)
- provide music, whether live or recorded, for dancing
Unless they are holding an exempt event (see the Exempt activities section below).
Venues meeting these criteria are advised to ensure that all those working from 1am have proof of COVID-19 status. Venues will be able to choose how they do this, which could include conducting checks before 1am.
Events where visitors need a NHS COVID Pass:
You should also prove your COVID-19 status to work in customer-facing roles at events where attendees must prove their COVID-19 status. These are:
· indoor events with 500 or more attendees, where those attendees are likely to stand or move around for all or part of the event (such as music venues with standing audiences, or large receptions)
· outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees, where those attendees are likely to stand or move around for all or part of the event (such as outdoor festivals)
· any events with 10,000 or more attendees, whether indoor or outdoor (such as large sports and music events)
Events are defined as including:
- an entertainment, a performance, or similar occasion
- a competition, race, match or other sporting event
- a celebration, ball, reception or other organised social event
- a conference, presentation, trade show, business reception, award show or a charitable auction
Exempt activities:
Some venues are not advised to check proof of your COVID-19 status unless they are holding a specific event (such as a performance or reception) that meets the attendance thresholds.
The use of the NHS COVID Pass is not advised for participation in sporting activity, regardless of number of participants or whether the activity is indoors or outdoors.
There are also some events where you won’t be advised to prove your COVID-19 status to work. These include:
- communal worship
- wedding and civil partnership ceremonies and equivalents (including alternative wedding ceremonies)
- receptions celebrating a wedding or other significant life event (like a christening, bar and bat mitzvah or mehndi ceremony) that are organised by an individual (and not a business, a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution, or a public body)
- funerals and commemorative events (except where commemorative events are held in a nightclub)
- outdoor events in public spaces where these are unticketed and not charged for (such as markets, street parties, protests and carnivals)
- events in private houses (including private gardens) where people do not have to pay or hold a ticket to enter
More details about the venues and events where you should demonstrate your COVID-19 status as a condition of entry are in the guidance page for organisations.
Workers who should prove their COVID-19 status:
If you’re an adult working or providing services, particularly if you’re coming into contact with customers, in venues or events which require evidence of COVID-19 status for visitors, you should be either:
- fully vaccinated with 2 doses of an approved vaccine (or one of the single-dose Janssen vaccine) – we will keep this under review as boosters are rolled out
- exempt from vaccination (for medical reasons or because you participated in a COVID-19 vaccine trial)
- undertaking regular, lateral flow testing
or
- an exempt person (conducting their official duties)
The responsible person for the venue or event is strongly advised to take reasonable measures to ensure all adults working in roles that come into contact with members of the public meet the COVID-19 status requirements.
If you do not meet the COVID-19 status requirements, the responsible person is strongly advised to deny you entry to the venue or event.
If you work at a venue or event that requires evidence of your COVID-19 status for visitors but you’re working in a role that does not come into contact with customers, you do not need to show evidence of vaccination or testing.
For the full details please follow this link.
If you need support or additional help, please call our office we are here to help. Never Alone, Stronger Together with Park City as your Business partner.
