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High street businesses urged to maintain records for NHS Track and Trace
Published: Tuesday, 14th July 2020
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As high streets reopen, Pendle Council is stressing the importance of businesses maintaining records of people who’ve visited their premises.
Businesses including hairdressers, barbers, cafes and restaurants must keep records of staff, customers and visitors for 21 days.
This will help to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus to support the NHS Track and Trace system.
Michael Duck, Commercial Team Leader in Environmental Health, said: There is a higher risk of transmitting COVID-19 in premises where people spend a long time in one place.
“To manage this risk, many businesses, whether indoor or outdoor venues or mobile settings, should collect contact details from staff, customers and visitors and keep them for three weeks.”
These businesses include:
- hospitality, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés
- tourism and leisure, including hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks
- close contact services, including hairdressers, barbers and tailors
- facilities provided by local authorities, including town halls and civic centres for events, community centres, libraries and children’s centres
- places of worship, including use for events and other community activities.
Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, added: “It’s important to maintain good records so that they can be shared with NHS Test and Trace when requested.
“Containing outbreaks early is crucial if we’re going to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“This will help to avoid the reintroduction of lockdown measures and support the country to return to, and maintain, a more normal way of life.”
He stressed that businesses play a significant role in helping people to understand the importance of the NHS Test and Trace system.
This includes explaining why the information is collected and how it will be used.
Michael added: “In addition to maintaining and sharing records where requested, businesses must also continue to follow other Government guidance to minimise the transmission of COVID-19.
“This includes maintaining a safe working environment and following social distancing guidelines.
“We’ve produced a COVID-19 Secure risk assessment to help you identify, control and minimise the transmission of coronavirus between staff and customers.
“It’s available on Pendle Council’s website - www.pendle.gov.uk/covidsecure”
More information about collecting information for NHS Test and Trace is also available on Pendle Council’s website www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus
If any Pendle businesses need support and advice, contact Pendle Council’s Environmental Health team on (01282) 662009.
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