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UKH COVID19 Update
richardscamans • Jun 06, 2020
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Political Update
* Today’s No 10 Press Briefing was led by Health Secretary Matt
Hancock. The briefing focused on the latest testing data and
recommendations for health and safety, including a requirement for all
hospital visitors and outpatients to wear face coverings as the NHS
reopens across the country, effective 15 June.
* He explained that the number of people who have COVID in England fell
from 139,000 people between 3-16 may to around 53,000 in the second half
of the month. The percentage of the population testing positive for
COVID has been falling consistently over recent weeks - The number of
new infections stands at 5,600 a day. The R number is 0.7-0.9 across the
UK
* During the Q&A the first question asked about the environmental
impact of businesses such as airports and airlines receiving Government
backed bank loans. Hancock replied that the Government is still
committed to reach the Net-Zero target, and that while the lockdown has
had a positive impact on air quality, it is still necessary for airlines
to operate.
* Another question asked about reopening Chester Zoo, to which Hancock
replied that the Government is listening to representatives from zoos
and outdoor attractions and he hopes they will be reopened in a safe and
COVID-secure way.
* You can watch the full briefing here [1].
Government Update
* Hotel Services: Several updates were made to the Coronavirus
Regulations [2] on Monday 1 June. Government guidance [3] reiterates
that holiday accommodation should remain closed for leisure stays but
confirms that people may be accommodate people who are unable to return
to their home or if they are required by law to self-isolate or for
quarantine. It doesn’t address the anomaly in that people are allowed
to stay away from home for business purposes but accommodation providers
are not allowed to offer them accommodation. However, is does say that
where hotels have large grounds [4], these can be made available to the
public as long as guidance on accessing green spaces safely is followed.
Where the hotel is also providing a takeaway food and drink service,
guests should not be allowed to use outdoor seating to eat and drink.
This will also help outdoor attractions and heritage properties who
were, until now, not allowed to service food to people visiting their
sites.
* Impact of social distancing guidelines: DCMS is undertaking research
to understand the economic impact of current social distancing
guidelines with answers required by 9 June. Would the tourism sector
make significant productivity gains if social distancing guidelines were
reduced from 2m to 1.5m or 1m? Are there regional considerations to
reopening? Are there transport capacity or school reopening
considerations affecting reopening? We have already submitted industry
comments but if members have specific case studies they want to provide,
please contact the office.
Devolved Administration
* The NI Executive have confirmed the next stage of relaxation of
restrictions from 8th June: outdoor marriages will be allowed with 10
attendees; outdoor sports facilities, non food retailers,
car/caravan/motorhome showrooms will be permitted to reopen. Large non
food retail outlets with lower frequency customer visits will be allowed
to reopen but only if they have direct street access or access within a
retail park ie no shopping malls.
International Update
* The Republic of Ireland [5] will accelerate a move to Phase 2 of its
reopening allowing all retail stores to open from Monday 8 June and
hospitality, galleries and museums and domestic tourism to restart 29
June – earlier than originally planned. As part of phase 2 Ireland
will introduce 14-day self-isolation measures [6] for passengers
arriving from overseas from 8 June.
* A report by Knapton Consulting Engineers on the impact of different
social distancing requirements on licensed premises produced for the
Licensed Vintners Association sets out the effect of Ireland’s
decision to change social distancing to 1m is set out below
* An overview of reopening protocols [7] and requirements for EU
countries together with an update on the proportion of tourist
accommodation businesses now open [8] are available on our website.
Links:
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[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
Announcement!!!!
Useful information regarding the change that arrives in July
Christmas 2023
See the "About Us" page for more details on the benefits of becoming a member or
Join the LHA you can get involved in your local hotel community
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