Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors have been asked to take the names and numbers of staff, visitors and guests as they reopen from this weekend. NHS Test and Trace boss, Dido Harding said they should “play their part in new national effort” by keeping a secure, short-term record.

Under the rules, people must be made aware that their data may be shared with NHS Test and Trace and it is not mandatory for any party to do so. Where data is provided, it should be collected and stored for 21 days and in line with GDPR.

New guidelines published by the Department of Health and Social Care today sets out the steps it is asking pubs, restaurants, cinemas and similar venues to follow. It is up to each business to determine how to collect this information. The guidance encourages the use of digital systems for ease where possible, however organisations are free to use any logging system that "works best for them".

Executive chair of NHS Test and Trace, Dido Harding said: "Thanks to the information members of the public are already sharing, NHS Test and Trace has already helped contact over 130,000 people who may otherwise have transmitted coronavirus.

"The virus has not gone, but we can live more safely alongside it. As we all start to visit more places and come into contact with a wider group of people in the coming weeks, we now need businesses and the public to play their part in this new national effort by sharing their contact details. That way, if someone does test positive our dedicated team at NHS Test and Trace can quickly spring into action to contact those who may be at risk and advise them to self-isolate, helping everyone stay safe."

Venues included in this initiative are:

-hospitality, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés
-tourism and leisure, including hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks
-close contact services, including hairdressers
-facilities provided by local authorities, including town halls and civic centres for events, community centres, libraries and children’s centres
-places of worship, including use for events and other community activities

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