UK Hospitality Update

Note that today was the final daily press briefing. The Government have announced that future briefings will only take place when there are significant announcements.

The Prime Minister led today’s briefing, joined by Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, and Sir Patrick Vallance, Government Chief Scientific Advisor. Johnson repeated much of the information from his earlier announcement today in the House of Commons, noting that all 5 Government tests had been met – and crucially that infection levels had fallen to 1 in 17,000 head of population – meaning that social distancing could be relaxed without risk to health. The Government will therefore move to phase 3 of the roadmap from 4 July

People may maintain 1m social distancing wherever 2m is not possible provided additional mitigation measures eg sanitation, hygiene, ventilation etc .

From 4 July businesses including hotels, self-contained accommodation, caravan parks, restaurants, café’s, cinemas, hair salons, outdoor gyms and tourism attractions may reopen as long as proper safety protocols are maintained.

COVID-secure guidance will be issued to help businesses reopen – this will be published shortly and UKHospitality industry protocols are available here  

Some premises may not be able to open right away – including nightclubs, business events, conference and banqueting, spa and leisure, gyms and bowling – but Taskforces will be established to guide this and set the protocols to allow for a safe and swift reopening

The scientific advisors made clear that we will continue to live with this virus for a long time (perhaps into next spring), but they are hopeful that new vaccines, treatments and informed safety guidelines will help control it in the future. There was a further warning that if people ‘go back to normal’ there would certainly be upticks, so caution is still required. 1m with mitigation is more effective than 2m with none.

The devolved administrations will make their own decisions and plans for reopening, but they are working closely together in the background and there will be common standards – announcements are expected shortly from Wales and Scotland.

A question was asked about foreign holidays and the PM again confirmed that the quarantine will be reviewed on the 29 June, but he recommended a staycation instead. View the full briefing here.

 

Government briefing

In advance of the publication of full COVID Secure Guidance, the Government has released details of how guests staying in overnight accommodation for a permitted reason should be treated if they display signs of the Covid-19 virus. They should inform the accommodation provider, immediately self-isolate where they are to minimise any risk of transmission, and request a test. If they are confirmed to have Covid-19, they should return home if they reasonably can. If a guest cannot reasonably return home (for example because they are not well enough to travel or do not have the means to arrange transport), their circumstances should be discussed with an appropriate health care professional and, if necessary, the local authority. Guests should follow government guidance on dealing with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

Figures updated to 21 June: Coronavirus grant funding: local authority payments to small and medium businesses; Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme.; Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Future Fund Scheme.

 

Industry updates

Leger Holidays has acquired the Shearings brand and intends to relaunch it with a new coach tour programme, following the collapse of Shearings’ parent company Specialist Leisure Group in May.

Royal Caribbean has extended the suspension of most cruise operations until 15 September, following the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)’s decision to suspend all activity from the US until that date.

Malta will welcome visitors from European Union states from 1 July, and will welcome all other international arrivals without restrictions from 15 July.

Dubai will welcome international travellers from 7 July, although international arrivals will need to comply with entry requirements including submitting to a COVID-19 test or showing a recent test with negative results, and holding an international health insurance policy for the duration of their stay.