Last updated on 23 July
Can my business reopen yet?
The Government have announced that from 11 – 25 July many more businesses will be able to re-open.
Examples of businesses allowed to reopen from 11 July
- Outdoor swimming pools
- Outdoor water parks
- Outdoor theatres
Examples of businesses allowed to reopen from 13 July
- Spas
- Nail bars and salons and beauty salons
- Tanning booths and salons
- Massage parlours
- Tattoo parlours
- Body and skin piercing services
Note – whilst these premises may re-open a number of specific procedures will not be permitted.
Businesses / Service that will still not be allowed
- Face waxing, sugaring or threading services
- Facial treatments
- Advanced facial technical (electrical or mechanical)
- Eyelash treatments
- Make-up application
- Dermarolling
- Dermaplaning
- Microblading
- Electrolysis on the face
- Eyebrow treatments
- Intricate detailing, outlining or shaving of beards
- Advanced beauty therapy
- Aesthetic treatments (though these may be provided in medical settings)
Examples of businesses allowed to re-open from 25th July
- Indoor gyms
- Indoor fitness and dance studios
- Indoor sports venues and facilities
- Indoor swimming pools
- Indoor hot tubs
- Indoor hydrotherapy pools
- Indoor whirlpools
- Indoor spa pools
Full details of those businesses that may reopen can be found at
What actions do I need to take if my business is allowed to re-open?
From 24July face coverings will be required in shops and supermarkets – in addition to public transport where they are already required.
Please note – there are exceptions from the need to wear a face mask, which can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
If your business may re-open then a number of guides have been produced to help do so in a safely. These can be found at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
In addition, there are a number of specific guides covering a range of different types of work. Many businesses operate more than one type of workplace, such as an office, factory and fleet of vehicles. You may need to use more than one of these guides as you think through what you need to do to keep people safe. Further guidance will be published here as more businesses are able to reopen.
The guides published so far include –
- 5 steps to working safely
- Close contact services
- Construction and other outdoor work
- Factories, plants and warehouses
- Heritage locations
- Hotels and other guest accommodation
- Lab and research facilities
- Offices and contact centres
- Other peoples homes
- Performing arts
- Providers of grassroots sports and gym / leisure facilities
- Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services
- Shops and branches
- Vehicles
- The visitor economy – including hotels and guest accommodation, indoor and outdoor attractions, business events and shows
All of these guides can be accessed at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
As different business sectors start to re-open the latest help and advice will be published on this page.
If your business is able to re-open from 11 – 25July and you would like to discuss how to operate safely then please contact the Environmental Health team at Envhealth@southribble.gov.uk or 01772 625625.
Other support
BEIS is running webinars for businesses on making the workplace COVID secure: details here.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website contains lots of information for reopening and operating your business safely.
We have developed signage that you can print out and use for your business. The messages are generic so please check what applies for your business.
- Face covering signs
- Social Distancing signs
- Directional signs
- Contactless and card payment signs
- Delivery/takeaway business signs
- Staff area signs (hand washing, restricted access, cleaning)
South Ribble businesses needing advice on reopening safely can contact the Environmental Health team at Envhealth@southribble.gov.uk or call 01772 625 625.
Controlling legionella risks when re-opening your business:
If you are reopening your business after a period of closure one of the issues to consider is the risk from legionella bacteria. When aerosolised in water droplets these can cause legionnaire’s disease, a serious form of pneumonia.
Legionella bacteria grow in water systems and a period of warm weather will have provided ideal growth conditions for them if water has remained stagnant for any period of time. If your business has been closed for a while or has had reduced usage then you will need to consider what control measures need to be put in place prior to making use of your water system. For many businesses these will be fairly straightforward but for businesses with complex water systems they may be more involved. Advice on control measures can be found in the guidance document from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
The Health & Safety Executive also have information on their website.
Further advice is also available from The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.
If you operate a pool or spa you should also consider the advice from the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group.
The Food Standards Agency has produced additional guidance for businesses planning to re-open (for example to provide a takeaway service). This can be accessed here.