Hostel guidance has changed as of 23 oct
Particularly with reference to numbers in bunkrooms
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/hotels-and-other-guest-accommodation
2.1.2 Hostels
Fuller considerations for hostel operators are set out by UKHospitality guidance, but particular consideration should be given to ensuring that hostels operate within the current government guidance on social mixing outside of household groups. In Local COVID alert level: medium areas, accommodation providers following COVID-19 Secure guidelines can provide accommodation for a group of 6 people from different households to stay together. No one should stay in a group of greater than 6 (unless from the same household or support bubble). In Local COVID alert level: high or very high areas, groups must only be made up of single household/support bubbles. Those that exceed these restrictions may be breaking the law, unless relevant exemptions (e.g. work gatherings) apply. Particular consideration should be given to:
Taking measures to make reception areas safer, with increased cleaning, keeping the activity time as short as possible and considering the addition of screens between guests and staff.
Considering minimising lift usage from reception, and providing clear signage for new lift rules.
Closing dormitory rooms to groups of over 6 people (except where housing parties from the same household or support bubble).
Closing shared facilities:
? communal kitchens, where guests prepare their own food
? other communal areas (e.g. TV rooms) where social distancing can?t be managed within current government guidelines.
Taking all possible steps to reduce the risk of transmission in shared shower, changing, and toilet facilities including:
? Either shutting shared shower facilities or assigning them to one household group or support bubble, (i.e. making them private), or running a reservation and clean process (whereby one household can exclusively book the shared facilities for a fixed time, and the facilities are cleaned thoroughly between reservations).
? Where toilets are shared, setting clear use and cleaning guidance to ensure they are kept clean and clear of personal items and that social distancing is achieved as much as possible.
? Introducing enhanced cleaning of all facilities regularly during the day and at the end of the day, with particular regard to any shared facilities, considering the increased risk these entail - as set out in Section 5.3.
? Making information available to guests on the increased risk of using these facilities.
? Where possible increasing safe ventilation.
Ensuring that housekeeping staff follow government handwashing guidelines, and making a checklist of all hand contact services to be cleaned when each guest vacates.
Encouraging guests to wear coverings on communal corridors.
Ensuring that any bar or dining area is only opened in a way compliant with UK government guidance on the hospitality sector.
From 15 August 2020 guidance that receptions and other celebrations for weddings and civil partnerships should not take place will no longer apply. Receptions and celebrations may take place in the form of a sit-down meal, but only where they can be done in a COVID-19 secure environment/venue, and we advise there should be no more than 30 people attending. See further guidance on wedding and civil partnerships receptions and celebrations.
For guidance on live performances, including singing in choirs and playing wind instruments, please refer to the Performing Arts guidance.
Particularly with reference to numbers in bunkrooms
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/hotels-and-other-guest-accommodation
2.1.2 Hostels
Fuller considerations for hostel operators are set out by UKHospitality guidance, but particular consideration should be given to ensuring that hostels operate within the current government guidance on social mixing outside of household groups. In Local COVID alert level: medium areas, accommodation providers following COVID-19 Secure guidelines can provide accommodation for a group of 6 people from different households to stay together. No one should stay in a group of greater than 6 (unless from the same household or support bubble). In Local COVID alert level: high or very high areas, groups must only be made up of single household/support bubbles. Those that exceed these restrictions may be breaking the law, unless relevant exemptions (e.g. work gatherings) apply. Particular consideration should be given to:
Taking measures to make reception areas safer, with increased cleaning, keeping the activity time as short as possible and considering the addition of screens between guests and staff.
Considering minimising lift usage from reception, and providing clear signage for new lift rules.
Closing dormitory rooms to groups of over 6 people (except where housing parties from the same household or support bubble).
Closing shared facilities:
? communal kitchens, where guests prepare their own food
? other communal areas (e.g. TV rooms) where social distancing can?t be managed within current government guidelines.
Taking all possible steps to reduce the risk of transmission in shared shower, changing, and toilet facilities including:
? Either shutting shared shower facilities or assigning them to one household group or support bubble, (i.e. making them private), or running a reservation and clean process (whereby one household can exclusively book the shared facilities for a fixed time, and the facilities are cleaned thoroughly between reservations).
? Where toilets are shared, setting clear use and cleaning guidance to ensure they are kept clean and clear of personal items and that social distancing is achieved as much as possible.
? Introducing enhanced cleaning of all facilities regularly during the day and at the end of the day, with particular regard to any shared facilities, considering the increased risk these entail - as set out in Section 5.3.
? Making information available to guests on the increased risk of using these facilities.
? Where possible increasing safe ventilation.
Ensuring that housekeeping staff follow government handwashing guidelines, and making a checklist of all hand contact services to be cleaned when each guest vacates.
Encouraging guests to wear coverings on communal corridors.
Ensuring that any bar or dining area is only opened in a way compliant with UK government guidance on the hospitality sector.
From 15 August 2020 guidance that receptions and other celebrations for weddings and civil partnerships should not take place will no longer apply. Receptions and celebrations may take place in the form of a sit-down meal, but only where they can be done in a COVID-19 secure environment/venue, and we advise there should be no more than 30 people attending. See further guidance on wedding and civil partnerships receptions and celebrations.
For guidance on live performances, including singing in choirs and playing wind instruments, please refer to the Performing Arts guidance.