This roadmap will be guided by data, not dates, but the Prime Minister did mention a few key dates that everyone should certainly be aware of. From the 8th March, we should see a return to schools, and on the 29th, the mixing of 6 people or two households will be allowed in outdoor settings.
Further, from the 12th April, the Prime Minister hopes that non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality venues can re-open. On the 17th May, they hope most outdoor social contact rules will be lifted and indoor hospitality will be permitted. The 21st June will hopefully see the removal of all legal limits on social contact and the reopening of large events.
While social distancing measures may lift, it is likely that the PPE legacy will live on for many years to come. PPE is designed to help protect individuals against health or safety risks at work, as well as preventing the spread of infections from person to person.
The WHO advised that PPE masks can help to limit the spread of certain respiratory viral diseases, including COVID-19. While this measure is important, it should still be accompanied by the further practises of social distancing and hand washing.
Employees will need to protect themselves once retail and hospitality outlets re-open. Prior to the pandemic, workers could come across hundreds of customers every day, but the significant of PPE in these instances are now more important than ever before.
The target consumer for PPE has fundamentally changed in the last year. It’s demand no longer lies solely with construction or high-tech manufacturing workers, but for every citizen.
Employees with customer facing roles should still wear facemasks where possible, particularly so if they have not yet been vaccinated. Masks should be compulsory in workplaces where social distancing cannot be maintained, or where there is poor ventilation. Sanitisation stations should be implemented at the front of every workplace, and practically next to every door or entrance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As well as wearing PPE, businesses should provide workers with lateral flow tests if they are able to.
Steve Dechan, President of P14 Medical & BioWave EMEA has said:
"Even after the lifting of restrictions, there will still be many people at risk of COVID-19. No vaccine is 100% effective, and some people will have not taken vaccines. Many Brits also work in densely packed, indoor environments where social distancing is difficult, and it's essential that masks and face shields are still used to avoid COVID-19 transmission in these enclosed spaces. To ensure a safe and healthy workplace, employers should continue to supply quality & approved lateral flow tests and PPE."