Business guidance

For those businesses where employees are likely to have close interaction with other members of staff, or the general public within the workplace, then the measures that many businesses have put in place during the pandemic should become the new-normal going forward.

These include:

• Ensuring that any staff experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 stay at home.
• Taking a Lateral Flow Test (LFT) where necessary. More information is available at Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) | States of Guernsey - COVID-19 (gov.gg)
• Good hand hygiene measures - encouraging staff to frequently wash their hands; availability of and easy access to hand gels and anti-bacterial wipes
• Our advice for employers is to conduct their own risk assessment and implement measures they decide are appropriate for the safety of their staff and customers.
• Enhanced hygiene and cleanliness measures – implementing regular wipe down / cleaning of shared surfaces and resources
• Where feasible, limiting shared resources and workstations
• Where possible, maintaining social distance in the workplace (ideally a 2-metre distance between staff and customers)
• Encouragement of good respiratory etiquette in the workplace
• Good ventilation, especially in situations where people will congregate in small areas or spaces
• Implementing home-based working where feasible

In addition please see the latest guidance for face coverings here: Face Coverings | States of Guernsey - COVID-19 (gov.gg)

Un-vaccinated or part-vaccinated individuals continue to be at higher risk of catching, experiencing stronger symptoms from, and transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

If you have partially vaccinated or unvaccinated members of staff, you should consider which elements of their role increase their risk of contracting COVID-19. You will need to ensure that they understand these risks if you are unable to re-deploy them to another area of your business.

Our advice for employers is they should identify any ‘at risk’ employees and implement risk management measures specifically relating to these individuals.

Measures could include:

• shielding, to minimise the worker’s contact with other members of staff and/or the public
• implementing home-based working for vulnerable staff where feasible
• reducing relevant staff members’ contact with large groups of staff and the general public, where possible
• limiting the individual’s access to shared resources such as workstations, PC keyboards, etc
• providing a workstation / area where 2-metre social distancing is possible
• implementing safety screens between workers / customers, if feasible, where social distancing is not possible

All staff members should be advised not to come into work if they experience symptoms of COVID-19 (COVID-19 Symptoms | States of Guernsey - COVID-19 (gov.gg) ) and should be encouraged to take an LFT. 

If you are symptomatic please take an LFT. If you receive a positive LFT you must immediately notify the States of Guernsey via either the clinical helpline (01481 220001 or 01481 220002) or the online form at https://www.gov.gg/covidnotification

If you are symptomatic and have a negative LFT then please do another LFT 24 hours after the first test to verify its result. You can contact the clinical helpline on 01481 220001 or 01481 220002 for further advice.

These individuals should not return to work until their symptoms have resolved.

For colleagues or anyone who has had contact with a positive case please see: I am a contact of a case | States of Guernsey - COVID-19 (gov.gg)

The premises should be cleaned appropriately.

Your staff member, customers/guest should follow the guidance here: https://covid19.gov.gg/positive_case

Staff should notify their line manager and notify any relevant contacts to follow the guidance here: https://covid19.gov.gg/contact_of_a_case.

Guidance for employers of a positive case or organiser of an event where a positive case was present can also find guidance here: https://covid19.gov.gg/contact_of_a_case, specifically for contact tracing.

What if a visitor/guest tests positive for COVID-19? 

If a visitor/guest tests positive please advise them to follow the guidance here: https://covid19.gov.gg/positive_case

A positive case of COVID-19 will have to remain isolated in their accommodation. During this time it will not be possible for them to move room within your accommodation – or move to another location.

If you (the venue) have back to back room bookings, you may want to consider not operating at maximum capacity whilst we are still responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We encourage you to support guests that have COVID where possible, please get in touch with the Visit Guernsey team if you need advice or support via email: enquiries@visitguernsey.com or call 01481 223300.

COVID-19 deep cleaning guidance can be found here: ( Health and safety for businesses and workplaces during COVID-19 (HSE Guidance) | States of Guernsey - COVID-19 (gov.gg) )

This is an individual choice for businesses and needs to form part of a Business Continuity Plan.

If businesses have the ability to space out staff and /or customers up to 2 metres within the work area, then this is the safest approach to protect both the employer and its employees. This will help mitigate transmission of both COVID-19 within the workplace and other winter viruses and respiratory illnesses, including flu.

This is an individual choice for businesses and needs to form part of a Business Continuity Plan.

Please see more info at: Coronavirus Regulations (guernseylegalresources.gg)

If an employee is unwell and is unable to work, any established business or contractual sickness policies should apply as normal.

To receive sickness benefit, an individual must be unable to work for at least 4 days and meet certain contribution conditions.

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 and can’t work remotely can only make a claim for sickness benefit when they are symptom-free, from Day 6 onwards. To make a claim, please call our helpline on 222507. 

Claims will be taken retrospectively so that we know how much sickness benefit should be paid. As an example, if the employee is symptom-free on Day 6, they should contact us to make a claim at that point. In that example, sickness benefit will be paid for 5 days, as they will no longer need to stay at home after this point.

A sickness benefit claim, through self-certification, can be extended up to a maximum of 10 days. If an employee is claiming sickness benefit for 10 days or less, they will not need to obtain a medical certificate. If they are claiming sickness benefit for more than 10 days they will need to obtain a medical certificate.

Individuals who are self-employed or sole traders can also make a claim for sickness benefit. But claims must be made within 3 months of the first day of sickness.

Employers should make their own risk assessment about a safe return to work for employees, but sickness benefit will only be paid for the first 5 days, unless the employee is still showing symptoms and cannot work.

If an employee is not eligible for sickness benefit or they need additional financial help they may be able to claim income support.  Income support is a means-tested benefit and the amount of financial support available will depend on the size of the household and level of income.

Additionally, an individual can be deemed to be incapable to work if the States Medical Officer of Health requests they not attend their place of work, if they might have been in contact with a case of infectious disease. In these circumstances, an employee will be eligible to claim sickness benefit if they are not able to work from home.

In addition to the advice above, visitor accommodation providers need to consider specific scenarios which could impact on their units of accommodation.

You should ensure that your employees understand and implement the cleaning requirements for your business, and that they have the necessary equipment to undertake a deep clean if required.

As a business you should also encourage anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 to follow the guidance here.

As a business you need to be aware that staff may have to take time off unexpectedly to care for children who are unwell and isolating until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

Un-vaccinated or part-vaccinated individuals continue to be at higher risk of catching, experiencing stronger symptoms from, and transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

If you have partially vaccinated or un-vaccinated members of staff, you should consider which elements of their role increase their risk of contracting COVID-19. You will need to ensure that they understand these risks if you are unable to re-deploy them to another area of your business.

Hospitality, restaurant and take-away businesses need to ensure that their staff understand and comply with the basic hygiene measures that should be in place (hand washing, respiratory etiquette, not coming to work if unwell etc). This is particularly important if you have staff working across multiple premises in the Bailiwick.

Un-vaccinated or part-vaccinated individuals continue to be at higher risk of catching, experiencing stronger symptoms from, and transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

If you have partially vaccinated or un-vaccinated members of staff you should consider which elements of their role increase their risk of contracting COVID-19. You will need to ensure that they understand these risks if you are unable to re-deploy them to another area of your business.

As a business you should also encourage anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 to follow the guidance here.

As a business you need to be aware that staff may have to take time off unexpectedly to care for children who are unwell and isolating until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

Care home businesses need to ensure that their staff understand and comply with the basic hygiene measures that should be in place (hand washing, respiratory etiquette, not coming to work if unwell etc).

Un-vaccinated or part-vaccinated individuals continue to be at higher risk of catching, experiencing stronger symptoms from, and transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

If you have partially vaccinated or un-vaccinated members of staff, you should consider which elements of their role increase their risk of contracting COVID-19. You will need to ensure that they understand these risks if you are unable to re-deploy them to another area of your business.

As a business you should also encourage anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 to follow the guidance here.

As a business you need to be aware that staff may have to take time off unexpectedly to care for children who are unwell and isolating until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

Care home providers should ensure that they have the necessary stocks of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in place should this be required.

States of Guernsey and private sector health care providers need to ensure that their staff understand and comply with the basic hygiene measures that should be in place (hand washing, respiratory etiquette, not coming to work if unwell, etc).

Un-vaccinated or part-vaccinated individuals continue to be at higher risk of catching, experiencing stronger symptoms from, and transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

If you have partially vaccinated or un-vaccinated members of staff, you should consider which elements of their role increase their risk of contracting COVID-19. You will need to ensure that they understand these risks if you are unable to re-deploy them to another area of your business.

You should also encourage anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 to follow the guidance here.

As a business you need to be aware that staff may have to take time off unexpectedly to care for children who are unwell and isolating until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

Both States of Guernsey and private sector health workers will need to understand and implement the cleaning requirements for your business and ensure that they have the necessary equipment to undertake a deep clean if required. 

Health care providers should ensure that they have the necessary stocks of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in place should this be required.

For health care providers who provide care in a service user’s home, consideration should be given to the vaccination status of the care provider and the service user and their family. Staff should not be providing services if they are unwell. In addition, you should encourage service users to let you know if they (or a member of their family) has COVID-19 symptoms or are unwell with other symptoms. A risk assessment should then be carried out before services are provided.

The Committee for Health & Social Care has well tested process in place where a positive case has been identified in health care environment. If you need any assistance in preparing your business continuity plans etc, please get in touch on 220001.

All education providers need to ensure that their staff understand and comply with the basic hygiene measures that should be in place (hand washing, respiratory etiquette, not coming to work if unwell etc).

Un-vaccinated or part-vaccinated individuals continue to be at higher risk of catching, experiencing stronger symptoms from, and transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

If you have partially vaccinated or un-vaccinated members of staff, you should consider which elements of their role increase their risk of contracting COVID-19 and whether you are able to implement mitigation measures. You will need to ensure that they understand these risks if you are unable to re-deploy them to another area of your educational setting.

You should ensure, as far as possible, that staff, children and young people with COVID-19 symptoms do not attend your educational setting. This can be supported by ensuring that parents/carers and staff are aware of the symptoms and of your planned management of affected individuals. Anyone who develops symptoms while in the setting should be sent home immediately. Asymptomatic siblings of a symptomatic child do not need to be sent home. If you are symptomatic, you should follow the guidance here.

You will need to be aware that staff may have to take time off unexpectedly to care for children who are unwell and isolating until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

Both the States of Guernsey and private sector education providers will need to understand and implement the relevant cleaning requirements and ensure that they have the necessary equipment to undertake a deep clean if required.

Construction businesses need to ensure that their staff understand and comply with the basic hygiene measures that should be in place (hand washing, respiratory etiquette, not coming to work if unwell etc). This is particularly important if you have staff working on multiple sites across the Bailiwick.

Un-vaccinated or part-vaccinated individuals continue to be at higher risk of catching, experiencing stronger symptoms from, and transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

If you have partially vaccinated or un-vaccinated members of staff, you should consider which elements of their role increase their risk of contracting COVID-19. You will need to ensure that they understand these risks if you are unable to re-deploy them to another area of your business.

You should also encourage anyone (employees, third-party contractors etc) showing symptoms of COVID-19 to follow the guidance here.

You need to be aware that staff may have to take time off unexpectedly to care for children who are unwell and isolating until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

Construction businesses will need to understand and implement any cleaning requirements and ensure that they have the necessary equipment to undertake a deep clean if required.

Retail businesses need to ensure that their staff understand and comply with the basic hygiene measures that should be in place (hand washing, respiratory etiquette, not coming to work if unwell etc). This is particularly important if you have staff working across multiple premises in the Bailiwick.

Un-vaccinated or part-vaccinated individuals continue to be at higher risk of catching, experiencing stronger symptoms from, and transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

If you have partially vaccinated or un-vaccinated members of staff, you should consider which elements of their role increase their risk of contracting COVID-19. You will need to ensure that they understand these risks if you are unable to re-deploy them to another area of your business.

You should also encourage anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 to follow the guidance here.

You need to be aware that staff may have to take time off unexpectedly to care for children who are unwell and isolating until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

Retail businesses will need to understand and implement any cleaning requirements and ensure that they have the necessary equipment to undertake a deep clean if required. 

Transport providers need to ensure that their staff understand and comply with the basic hygiene measures that should be in place (hand washing, respiratory etiquette, not coming to work if unwell etc). This is particularly important if you have staff using more than one vehicle during the day.

Un-vaccinated or part-vaccinated individuals continue to be at higher risk of catching, experiencing stronger symptoms from, and transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

If you have partially vaccinated or un-vaccinated members of staff, you should consider which elements of their role increase their risk of contracting COVID-19. You will need to ensure that they understand these risks if you are unable to re-deploy them to another area of your business.

You should also encourage anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 to follow the guidance here.

You need to be aware that staff may have to take time off unexpectedly to care for children who are unwell and isolating until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

Transport providers will need to understand and implement any cleaning requirements and ensure that they have the necessary equipment to undertake a deep clean if required.

Transport providers who collect passengers from the ports should consider a deep clean of the vehicle following each transfer.

If you are a business providing services in people’s homes or offices you need to ensure that your staff understand and comply with the basic hygiene measures that should be in place (hand washing, respiratory etiquette, not coming to work if unwell etc). This is particularly important if you have staff working in multiple locations during the day.

Un-vaccinated or part-vaccinated individuals continue to be at higher risk of catching, experiencing stronger symptoms from, and transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

If you have partially vaccinated or unvaccinated members of staff you should consider which elements of their role increase their risk of contracting COVID-19. You will need to ensure that they understand these risks if you are unable to re-deploy them to another area of your business.

You should also encourage anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 to follow the guidance here.

In addition, you should encourage your clients to let you know if they (or a member of their family) have COVID-19 symptoms or are unwell with other symptoms. A risk assessment should then be carried out before services are provided.

You need to be aware that staff may have to take time off unexpectedly to care for children who are unwell and isolating until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

Staff will need to understand and implement any cleaning requirements and ensure that they have the necessary equipment to undertake a deep clean if required.

It is recommended that the organisers of large indoor events (involving more than 100 people at any given time) keep a record of the names and phone numbers of those in attendance and follow Public Health guidance. Organisers will also need to comply with the data protection requirements outlined below.

This information will only be requested on a voluntary basis; there is no formal registration system for events.

Indoor events of over 100 people may include, but are not limited to, gatherings, hospitality businesses (i.e. nightclubs and pubs), churches and conferences.  

This guidance is not intended for retail premises, educational settings or large workplaces, such as offices.

Organisers of large indoor gatherings may want to consider completing a risk assessment form to mitigate against any COVID-19 related risks. Additional measures that organisers may want to consider include:

• ensuring handwashing facilities/hand sanitiser are readily available
• ensuring the indoor space is well ventilated
• encouraging people not to attend if they are unwell
• encouraging people to respect each other's space
• regular cleaning of rest room facilities
• optional use of face coverings

This recommendation does not apply to outdoor events as it is likely that there will be increased ventilation, however, organisers of large outdoor events may also want to consider completing a risk assessment form to mitigate against any COVID-19 related risks.

Large event organisers/hosts need to ensure that their staff understand and comply with the basic hygiene measures that should be in place (hand washing, respiratory etiquette, not coming to work if unwell etc).

You should also encourage anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 to follow the guidance here.

You need to be aware that staff may have to take time off unexpectedly to care for children who are unwell and isolating until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

Organisers will need to understand and implement cleaning requirements and ensure that they have the necessary equipment to undertake a deep clean if required.

Data protection requirements

If your business is collecting personal data, you are a data controller and will need to be registered as such with the Office of the Data Protection Authority (ODPA) if you don’t already hold a registration. This can be achieved by following the process on the ODPA’s website at registrations.odpa.gg. When collecting personal data from people, you should take steps to ensure the information you are collecting cannot be viewed by other individuals and you should also be able to provide customers and others with advice on how their information will be handled. If you are uncertain as to whether you are required to register as a data controller, please contact the ODPA at enquiries@odpa.gg or alternatively on 01481 742074.

Gyms, sports clubs and sports class operators need to ensure that their staff understand and comply with the basic hygiene measures that should be in place (hand washing, respiratory etiquette, not coming to work if unwell, good ventilation, etc). This is particularly important if you have staff working across multiple premises in the Bailiwick.

Un-vaccinated or part-vaccinated individuals continue to be at higher risk of catching, experiencing stronger symptoms from, and transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

If you have partially vaccinated or un-vaccinated members of staff, you should consider which elements of their role increase their risk of contracting COVID-19. You will need to ensure that they understand these risks if you are unable to re-deploy them to another area of your business.

You should also encourage anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 to follow the guidance here.

You need to be aware that staff may have to take time off unexpectedly to care for children who are unwell and isolating until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result.

Gym and sports class businesses will need to understand and implement any cleaning requirements and ensure that they have the necessary equipment to undertake a deep clean if required.

Where business offer the use of shared sports equipment such as dumbbells, treadmills, etc, it is recommended that suitable disinfectant wipes and hand sanitisers are readily available, with clients actively encouraged to use them.

Where implementing social distancing between clients and staff is not feasible, then consideration could be given towards maximum numbers of individuals in any class or room at one time. Similarly, running classes in areas where there is good ventilation is recommended.