With remaining Covid-19 regulations ending on 19th July, the Government is now stressing the need for people to “make informed decisions and act carefully and proportionately to manage risk to themselves and others”.

For village halls it is clear that all community events and activities and private hires will be able to take place from 19th July  with risks managed by hirers e.g., through ventilation, encouraging social distancing, hand washing and use of hand sanitiser. We will continue to maintain an informed  risk assessment approach (see website), and require hirers to be mindful and respectful of how to manage the risks to their users.

It remains important to respect and be considerate of those who are more vulnerable and who may wish to take a more cautious approach so it will be appropriate at some activities or events that measures (including wearing face masks and social distancing) are taken so that people who are clinically more vulnerable or not yet fully vaccinated can attend. Good ventilation is the best means of reducing risk of transmission so it will be important to take advantage of the better weather in order to enable more vulnerable people to enjoy activities with minimal anxiety.

Pending issuing of more detailed guidance it makes sense for us to retain the physical measures already in place that will include use of the QR poster, a  hand sanitiser station, posters urging the need for regular hand washing. The wearing of face masks will no longer be mandatory but left to the individual to make their own decision, bearing in mind the needs of others and the type of event. For the foreseeable future we will continue to provide table service for refreshment, which helps to avoid crowding at the service hatch.

All limits on social contact will be removed (previously groups of 6 people or 2 households indoors). Music concerts, sporting activities such as badminton and table tennis, singing and dancing can resume without any limits on attendance or social distancing requirements.

We are grateful to the advice of Support Staffordshire, Rural Action Derbyshire and Action with Communities in Rural England for provision of advice and guidance on issues relating to the pandemic.

Bookings can be made at https://hartingtonvillagehall.co.uk/booking/

Keith Quine

Chair of Trustees