New guidance was issued on 10 March 2021 that has additional steps that should be considered to reduce the risk of catching or passing on the coronavirus in shared accommodation. The guidance COVID-19: Shared and overcrowded housing – reducing the risk of infection, is particularly for people living in accommodation with shared facilities, such as in a block of flats or shared accommodation.
Shared accommodation includes:
- a flat or house share where tenants live with another person with whom they are not related and share cooking and bathroom facilities
- a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), which is where 3 or more people from 2 or more different families share cooking or bathroom facilities
- co-living where multiple people/households share some facilities or common areas
People who live in shared accommodation should ensure they wash their hands more regularly with soap and water or hand sanitiser and avoid touching their face, regularly clean frequently touched surfaces and ensure plenty of fresh air is flowing through the property.
With shared facilities like kitchens or bathrooms, you should ensure that towels are for individual use only, all surfaces should be cleaned down after use, avoid shared areas when others are present, wear a mask in communal areas and take food and drinks prepared in the kitchen to their rooms, also if there is a bathroom fan, have it on whilst using the room or open a window.
Shared communal gardens can still be used by the occupiers but they must follow the guidance and ensure social distancing is adhered to.
For further information please see the link below
Recent Comments