Coronavirus - what should you do?

This is a rapidly evolving situation which is being monitored carefully and can change on a daily basis. Based on the available evidence to date, the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate. 

There is increasing concern being expressed from the managers of village and community halls and community groups on how they should operate in the current situation, and how they should prepare for any future progression of the Coronavirus.   

Currently, government advice is that most people can continue to go to work, school and other public places. People only need to stay away from public places (self-isolate) if advised to by the 111 online Coronavirus service or a medical professional. 

Committee’s must always act in the best interest of their group and are responsible for providing a facility or activity for the use of the community. Therefore, committees need to be mindful of their responsibilities, follow the public advice issued by the government, statutory agencies and other relevant organisations and act accordingly.

Precautionary steps:

• Take notice of Derbyshire County Council, Government and Public Health England websites and keep up to date with the ongoing situation (links below).
• Keep any facility very clean and ensure that paper towels are always available and hand driers are working efficiently. Avoid the use of hand towels.
• Provide hand sanitisers.
• Advise anyone that is using the facility for their own use and/or others in their group that they are expected to act responsibly and take notice of Government and Public Health England advice which includes who is and isn’t allowed to be in public spaces.
• Display hand washing notices in all relevant areas (samples below).
• Cancellation of any bookings - check with your insurers about loss of income clauses.
• The Association of British Insurers has released a statement regarding the declaration from the government that the Coronavirus is a 'notifiable disease'.
• Deep cleaning of community venues will be required if anyone diagnosed or is suspected of having Coronavirus has used the premises (hirers, volunteers, visitors, contractors, etc). The government guidance for Employers and Businesses provides helpful advice, which is also relevant to community halls, including how to clean public places and rubbish disposal.
• and keep other users of the facility up to date and informed of any developments!

Posters: 

NHS Coronavirus Public Information Poster
Public Health England Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources 
Catch it bin it kill it.docx 333 KB

Public information on Coronavirus:  

Public Health England’s guidance for a range of sectors 
NHS advice on reducing risk
Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest information and advice
Common questions
Derbyshire County Council advice on Coronavirus

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has issued very helpful advice to voluntary organisations, which includes guidance on how to manage and support staff, volunteers and visitors, employment issues, insurance, financial implications, potential discrimination and other potential concerns.