Businesses in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch are being reminded that they must ensure that everyone over the age 16 provides a name and contact details or has checked in as a requirement of the new NHS Test and Trace system.

Business information officers and teams from trading standards and environmental health have been working with local businesses to ensure they are operating safely as lockdown restrictions ease, and have visited over 150 premises to give support and advice since more businesses reopened on 12 April.

In the first week following reopening, the teams visited hospitality businesses across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and found that, of those that had reopened, the majority were largely compliant with new rules and had re-opened successfully. The teams offered support on issues such as outdoor structures, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and the new Test and Trace requirements.

As part of these new requirements, venues in designated sectors must now have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff. All eligible venues must also now display an official NHS QR code poster at entrances. Visitors can then give their contact details either via the NHS Test and Trace App using the QR code or provide the information by an alternative method, which must be kept by the business for 21 days. The new rules apply to businesses in the following sectors: hospitality, tourism and leisure, hairdressers, barbershops and tailors, community centres, libraries and village halls.

Kelly Ansell, director of communities at BCP Council, said it was vital that businesses followed the rules as one in three people with COVID-19 don’t have any symptoms and can pass it on to others without knowing.

The NHS COVID-19 app is available to download onto smartphones for free. Venues must also have a system for individuals who do not have a smartphone or the NHS COVID-19 app to provide their contact details.

Members of the public who have concerns about a business not operating within guidelines can report their concerns at: https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/News/News-Features/COVID-19/Help-advice-and-support/Community-Safety-during-COVID-19.aspx