Trade bodies publish track and trace guidance for businesses

The guidance, issued jointly by the three industry bodies, aims 'to provide clarity to enable businesses to take positive steps towards achieving the scheme’s public health objectives, as well as businesses’ obligations and practical tips to implement a successful scheme'.

Following Boris Johnson's announcement last week that hospitality businesses in England could reopen from 4 July, the Government produced its own advisory guidance for operators​​ on how to keep staff and customers safe while the Coronavirus remains in general circulation.

This included asking businesses to keep a temporary record of all customers for 21 days in order to assist with the NHS Test and Trace scheme.

The two-page track and trace document​​ produced by UKHospitality, the BBPA and BII, is split into five sections, and covers frequently-asked questions related to what information should be recorded; how the information should be recorded; and relevant issues regarding GDPR.

It advises that while the objective is to get 'sufficient information on customers and staff to allow local NHS and public healthcare professionals to follow up with them about anyone they may have come into contact with', as a broad rule of thumb this does not mean operators need to get information on every customer they serve. 

In a joint statement, the trade bodies said: “There has been a significant amount of interest from both businesses and customers about the track and trace scheme and some confusion also.
“It is a core component of the safe reopening of businesses and it is something that all venues are going to have to get to grips with. This can help us to avoid a second spike and the disastrous consequences that would entail, for society and business.
“This guidance provides clear instructions to businesses on their obligations and reminds them why it is important that they make a success of the scheme. It is in the interests of everyone in the country that we all understand our role in the scheme and its importance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Businesses are urged to read the guidance thoroughly and ensure that they have the proper procedures in place before they reopen their doors to customers. If they are unsure abut any element, they should contact their trade association immediately.”