The new Step 4 guidance is now live, replacing the Performing Arts Guidance. It is very generic in nature and covers not only the theatre industry but also visitor attractions, historic settings, elite sports and other events.

From Step 4 there is no longer a legal requirement for staff and customers to wear face coverings although the guidance strongly recommends the continuation of use in enclosed and crowded spaces. As notified in last Thursday’s newsletter, our recommendation, as an industry, matches this and is to strongly encourage the continued use of face coverings inside venues. There are also no legal capacity caps on events, however your risk assessment may consider further mitigation to keep customers safe.

The guidance features 6 priority actions for everyone to follow:

1. Complete a health and safety risk assessment that includes risks from COVID-19. This could identify the requirement for your staff to continue wearing face coverings when working in close contact settings or when they come into close proximity of others.
2. Turn people with COVID-19 symptoms away. This includes staff, contractors and customers.
3. Provide adequate ventilation. Natural ventilation through windows, doors and vents, mechanical ventilation using fans and ducts, or a combination of both.
4. Clean more often. Especially surfaces that are touched regularly.
5. Enable people to check in at your venue. Although no longer legally required to collect contact details people can check in by using NHS QR code poster. You do not have to ask customers to check in or turn them away if they refuse.
6. Communicate and train. Keep workers, contractors and visitors up to date on how you’re using and updating safety measures including sharing risk assessment and mitigations when applicable.

There is also a recommendation that event organisers consider using the NHS COVID Pass to reduce the risk of transmission. The NHS COVID Pass allows people to demonstrate that they are at a lower risk of carrying COVID-19 and transmitting it to others, through vaccination, testing or natural immunity. The government will publish more guidance on using the NHS COVID Pass shortly.