Vine Conference Centre Coronavirus Plan

Vine Conf Centre COVID-19 Plan v2 240720


Latest Update 08.12.21

Where are we now?

We are following The Scottish Government guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): reopening of cultural performances and events guidance
and Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer businesses and workplaces

Because we will not be running events over 500 people we do not require vaccine certificates to be shown or the option of providing evidence of a recent negative LFD test or a negative PCR test to gain entry. See COVID Certification Scheme.

“On 9 August all of Scotland moved beyond Level 0 of the COVID-19 levels system.”
Moving beyond Level 0 does not signal the end of the pandemic. Although many legal restrictions will be lifted, and many people are now fully vaccinated, it is still possible for the virus to spread between people. It will continue to be important for everyone to remain cautious and follow guidance on precautionary measures.

Mandatory Precautionary Measures

Wear a face covering. By law, face coverings must continue to be worn in most indoor public places unless you are exempt for specific circumstances. Please note babies, toddlers and all other children and young people under 12 years old are exempt from wearing a face covering.

Self-isolate immediately if you get symptoms. Everyone must continue to follow Test and Protect rules and guidance which means you must stay at home if you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, even if you have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination.

Advisory precautionary measures

Good hand hygiene and surface cleaning. Please continue to sanitise your hands as you enter the building and regularly throughout your stay. We will ensure regular surface cleaning of commonly touched places.

Continued promotion of good ventilation. We will continue to follow guidance for good ventilation and ensure doors are open during a Sunday service meeting to improve ventilation.

Keep Your Distance Where You Can

“Although the law has changed, it is important people keep thinking about how the virus can be transmitted. We would encourage people and businesses to think about how best to use the space available.

Take extra precautions when in crowds or large groups. When meeting in groups, everyone should try to keep distance from others that are not in their social group. Everyone should be encouraged to:

  • avoid crowded spaces
  • try to stay a reasonable distance from others where possible”
  • “While social distancing is no longer a legal requirement, it is sensible and caring to be considerate and respectful of others and to keep your distance.

As a result of this we will continue to:

  • Keep a one way system for entering and leaving the building
  • Encourage people not to hug or shake hands

Test and Protect and self-isolation

Everyone must continue to follow Test and Protect rules and guidance which means you must stay at home if you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, even if you have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination. We will collect your contact details using a QR code you can scan on your phone when you enter the building. You can book in when you arrive using this link.

Cleaning

Please note we have produced a thorough cleaning schedule for the building . A local cleaning company will provide the professional cleaning to ensure all chairs and contactable surfaces in the main hall, foyer, toilets and café will be sanitised. Our staff will also regularly throughout the day sanitise contactable surfaces throughout the building.

Our Commitment

The Vine Conference Centre is committed to providing a safe place to visit. We have implemented a number of changes as advised by the Scottish government. This is so we can safely welcome you back safely and we are so looking forward to welcoming you back. We have missed you.

For your safety we have

  • Provided hand sanitiser stations on arrival and around the conference centre
  • Displayed signs at the entrance and throughout our building to clearly communicate safety messages for visitors, staff and volunteers
  • Implemented measures such as ‘one-way’ systems and floor markers for your protection
  • Limited the number of rooms we use at one time to keep everyone safe
  • Restricted the numbers allowed in our toilets at any one time, to assist with social distancing
  • Introduced enhanced and more frequent cleaning routines throughout the building
  • Provided training for staff on the new procedures we have put in place to keep everyone safe
  • Changed the way we provide catering to provide quality food with maximum safety and minimum contact
  • Ensured we are fully compliant with Scottish Government “Coronavirus (COVID-19): events sector guidance”
  • Ensured all our staff have completed the training course: “COVID-19 Essentials: Infection Prevention and PPE”

Latest Update 23.04.21

The Scottish Government has published it’s Timetable for easing restrictions
We expect to move through the levels on the following dates:

26 April: mainland Scotland and islands at Level 4 are expected to move to Level 3. Islands at Level 3 will remain there until 17 May17 May: all of Scotland will move to Level 2
7 June: all of Scotland will move to Level 1
June (late): all of Scotland will move to Level 0

The Scottish Government has also released “Events Sector Guidance” that we will be following and summarised here:

Indoor seated live events – permitted in Level 0

Attendees must have allocated seats for the duration of the event – either physical seats or marked areas of the ground within which households must sit. Examples include music concerts, plays, comedy shows, opera, sporting events and business conferences and dinners. Event organisers must ensure that seating allows for adherence to physical distancing. Attendees must be able to enter and exit the event at fixed points only so numbers can be controlled and contact details collected. Event organisers should ensure that attendees do not congregate in certain areas (such as toilets, entry/exit or refreshment points) which could make physical distancing difficult. Capacity should be calculated based on ensuring 2m physical distancing up to a limit of 250. Discussions on restricted numbers should take place between the local authority and venue and / or event organiser. It should take into account matters such as ventilation system, pinch points, transport, performance type, local circumstances and length of event to determine appropriate number for the event which might be below the upper limit of 250.

Indoor Small seated live events – permitted in Level 1

As above, with an upper limit of 100 people given higher virus rate in Level 1 compared to Level zero. Discussions on restricted number should take place between the local authority and venue and / or event organiser. It should take into account matters such as ventilation system, pinch points, transport, performance type, local circumstances and length of event to determine appropriate number for the event which might be below the upper limit of 100.

Indoor ambulatory live events – permitted in Level 0

Where attendees are mobile between different focal points. Examples include trade fairs and exhibitions. Attendees must be able to enter and exit the event at fixed points only so numbers can be controlled and contact details collected. The size of venue or area involved in these events would require clear assessment to allow adherence to physical distancing and event organisers must ensure attendees do not gather together at fixed points (such as a stall, toilets, entry/exit and refreshment points). Capacity should be calculated based on ensuring 2m physical distancing up to a limit of 250. Discussions on restricted numbers should take place between the local authority and venue and / or event organiser. It should take into account matters such as ventilation system, pinch points, transport, performance type, local circumstances and length of event to determine appropriate number for the event and may result in an upper limit lower than 250.

Indoor grouped standing live events – not permitted in any level
Events which involve spectators standing still indoors, often involving standing around a stage. Examples would be music concerts and ‘standing room only’ events.

 


We are still waiting on an official date from the Scottish government when live indoor events are allowed to go ahead.  As soon as we have a date and official guidance for the Events sector we will update our plan accordingly:

Not before 31 July

Non-essential offices and call centres can re-open following implementation of relevant guidance (including on physical distancing). Working from home and working flexibly remain the default
Live events (outdoors) – with physical distancing and restricted numbers.
This broad category is under review to determine which types of events are safe to resume slightly earlier
Bingo halls (with physical distancing)
Driving lessons to resume
Live events (indoors) – with physical distancing and restricted numbers
Other indoor live-entertainment venues (e.g. theatres, music venues)
Indoor gyms – (with physical distancing and enhanced hygiene measures)
Resumption of non-professional adult outdoor contact sports

 


Updates:

  1. Update 2407.20 on page 13 “Demographics of Attendees due to pause on shielding.
  2. Updated advice from Scottish government on Face Coverings

As a business we have carried out an extensive and thorough COVID-19 risk assessment assisted by Phil Beaumont, Workplace Health and Safety Advice Service.

As a result, we have implemented a number of measures to create a safe working environment that prevents as much as possible the transmission of COVID-19.

Once you have read this completely please sign our User Agreement Form

UNDERSTANDING THE SPREAD AND CONTROL OF COVID-19

Understanding how COVID-19 is spread and how control measures work is key to preventing infection from occurring.

How is COVID-19 spread? [1]

COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The evidence to date continues to point towards transmission mainly occurring via contact from symptomatic cases. This can occur through respiratory droplets, by direct contact with infected persons, or by contact via contaminated objects and surfaces. Shedding of SARS-CoV-2 is highest early in the course of the disease, particularly within the first 3 days from onset of symptoms. However, there is also some evidence that transmission to others may be possible 1-3 days prior to symptom onset (pre-symptomatic phase) or in individuals that develop infection but don’t develop symptoms (asymptomatic phase) however the evidence for this is still emerging and is very limited. The risk of transmission is highest when there is close contact with an infected person who is symptomatic.

There are two routes by which COVID-19 can be spread:

  • Directly: from close contact with an infected person (within 2 metres) where respiratory secretions can enter the eyes, mouth, nose or airways. This risk increases the longer someone has close contact with an infected person.
  • Indirectly: by touching a surface, object or the hand of an infected person that has been contaminated with respiratory secretions and then touching own mouth, nose or eyes.

 

How long can the virus survive on environmental surfaces?

Under most circumstances, the amount of infectious virus on any contaminated surfaces is likely to have decreased significantly by 72 hours.

We know that similar viruses are transferred to and by people’s hands. Therefore, frequent hand hygiene and regular decontamination of frequently touched environmental and equipment surfaces will help to reduce the risk of infection transmission.

By protecting the potential routes of entry into the body by social distancing, good personal hygiene practices and cleaning regimes we can effectively minimise any potential for infection, even when near someone who may be infected.

The government guidance sets out the guidelines on how this should be achieved. At the heart of the guidance is a 2m rule. The latest advice from the Scottish government on 2nd July 2020 can be read at footnote below.[2]  Based on this advice we have taken the decision to keep 2 metres as the optimum default physical distancing requirement for using the Vine Conference Centre.  We will also implement a number of mitigating measures as detailed below.

For clients who are using the conference centre for childcare services, the client is responsible for ensuring strict adherence to guidance from the Scottish government and Care Inspectorate with regards to the health and safety measure they must follow.  The need for social distancing for children under 12 (0-11) is different.[3]

Social distancing is important to ensure people are distanced from each other and therefore not spreading infection by direct touching. It also allows space for exhaled droplets to dissipate reducing the likelihood of inhaling them.

We have taken all reasonable measures as detailed below:

  • to ensure that a distance of 2 metres is maintained between any persons on the premises (except between members of the same household or a carer and the person assisted by the carer)
  • to ensure that we only admit people to its premises in sufficiently small numbers to make it possible to maintain that distance
  • to ensure that a distance of 2 metres is maintained between any person waiting to enter the premises (except between members of the same household, or a carer and the person assisted by the carer)

Below are some of the measures we have implemented as part of our COVID-19 response.

 

Entry to the Building

Before entering the Vine Conference Centre every person will be asked the following 4 questions.  The event organiser is responsible for ensuring someone is at the front door and screens every person coming in and asked the following 4 questions.  A sign will be placed outside the building asking no-one to enter until someone first screens them before entering:

  1. Do you have a new or continuous cough?
  2. Do you have a high temperature? (“A high temperature is feeling hot to the touch on your chest or back (you don’t need to measure your temperature). You may feel warm, cold or shivery.” )
  3. Do you currently have a loss of taste or smell?
  4. Have you been in contact with someone with the above symptoms and been asked to self-isolate or been in contact with a confirmed case or Coronavirus?

If the answer to any of the above is yes, the person will not be permitted to enter the building and must go home.

 

Enhanced Hygiene

We have introduced enhanced hygiene measures to create a safe working environment, including:

  • sanitiser and hand-washing facilities are now easily available at key points, including on entry and exit points
  • additional sanitiser facilities have been added around communal areas
  • regular cleaning of work equipment and work stations.
  • We have ensured regular detergent cleaning schedules and procedures are in place using a product which is active against bacteria and viruses.
  • We will ensure our staff and cleaners are all trained on “Cleaning for non-healthcare environments during COVID-19” as advised by Public Health England.[4]
  • We will ensure regular (at least twice daily) cleaning of commonly touched objects and surfaces (e.g. telephones, keyboards, door handles, desks and tables).
  • minimising the use of touchpoints throughout our building.  We have introduced fire-release doors to keep doors open to prevent touching of handles.  We have introduced “StepNPull” Foot operated door openers” in our bathrooms to reduce touching door handles.
  • We have trained our staff to conduct face-to-face discussions outdoors at a distance of 2m apart and trained our staff to use Zoom and Whattsapp video calls for discussions with clients or other staff members to help replace the need for face-to-face discussion
  • We will ensure any crockery and cutlery in shared kitchen areas is cleaned with warm general purpose detergent and dried thoroughly before being stored for re-use.
  • We will ensure good ventilation (e.g. keep windows open where appropriate).
  • We will ensure boxes of tissues are available in each room near hand sanitiser areas

Everyone using our facility and all staff must ensure good hygiene practices to help prevent spread:

  • Perform hand hygiene regularly using soap and water or alcohol based hand rub particularly before and after eating.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid direct contact with people that have a respiratory illness wherever possible.
  • Avoid using personal items (e.g. mobile phone) of people that have a respiratory illness wherever possible. Cover the nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when sneezing, coughing, wiping and blowing the nose. Dispose of all used tissues promptly into a waste bin. If you don’t have any tissues available, cough and sneeze into the crook of the elbow. Wash hands at the first opportunity.
  • Public Toilets[5]

Enhanced Cleaning

 

  • We have increased the frequency of cleaning of our toilets. Our toilets will be cleaned after every hire.
  • We have reviewed use of our cleaning products to ensure they are disinfectant based and not detergent-based product
  • During the day when hires are using our building we will ensure a 2 hourly cleaning of: frequently touched areas including toilet flush, toilet seat, toilet locks and handles, taps, paper towel and soap dispensers and door handles on access/entry
  • We will have enhanced monitoring of facilities to ensure hygiene is maintained by a 2hourly check of all toilets
  • We have introduced an enhanced cleaning rota and will ensure it is adhered to
  • We have introduced a cleaning schedule that details the manner and frequency of cleaning of the various surfaces
  • Our cleaners will use PPE when cleaning the toilets including disposable gloves, apron (disposable or cleaned after each use) and face mask.
  • Our cleaning staff are undergoing training in appropriate cleaning methods for sanitary areas and the use of the equipment and products for cleaning and disinfection
  • We have introduced “StepNPull Foot operated door openers” in our toilets to reduce touching door handles.

 

Equipment

  • reusable equipment has been removed from toilets
  • we have introduced hands-free waste disposal units
  • we have introduced cleaning materials for surfaces – antibacterial surface wipes available in each toilet and at baby changing unit

 

 Communication

  • We have introduced  signs and posters to: build awareness of good handwashing technique and reinforce the need to increase handwashing frequency, to avoid touching your face; and tocough or sneeze into a tissue, which is binned safely, or into your arm if a tissue is not available
  • We have a sign up with a contact number for the public to use should they have any concerns regarding cleanliness
  • We have signage up to tell the public what to do if someone falls ill with suspected COVID within a toilet facility
  • Our toilets will be closed and adhoc cleaning be arranged should the need arise

Hand Hygiene

  • We ensure liquid soap is adequately stocked at all times
  • We provide hand-drying facilities –paper towels with appropriate and frequent waste disposal and electric hand driers
  • We have introduced “StepNPull Foot operated door openers” in our toilets to reduce touching door handles on exit.
  • We have introduced   hand sanitiser gel at the entry and exit from each toilet.

 

Physical Distancing

  • We have limited the number of people who can use our toilets: gent’s toilet – 1 person at a time.  Ladies toilet – 2 persons at a time.  We have clear signage on our toilet doors and also Toilet Door sliders to ensure people know when toilet is occupied or free.
  • We have introduced signage on floor of lady’s toilets and a divider to ensure social distancing is kept in the lady’s toilet.
  • We have included in the toilets signage and floor markings to emphasise social distancing
  • We have introduced a divider in the lady’s toilet to ensure when 2 people are using them, they are separated at either side of the toilet
  • We have introduced a one way system in toilet corridor to ensure physical distancing in corridor

 

Physical Distancing

  • We have reviewed the layout of our facility and introduced a one way system (see video below) and signage with clear markings.
  • We have reviewed our offices for our staff and will not allow the office to be used by more than one person until such times as the Scottish government allows indoor offices to be re-opened.
  • We will stagger entry and exit times to prevent bottlenecks arising as people arrive or leave for a meeting at the conference centre
  • The Conference Centre is staffed currently by one member of staff and one cleaner so social distancing will be adhered to by staff members

 

Dealing with Emergencies

In case of an emergency, event organisers must be aware of their nearest fire exits and explain to all of their group at the start of each day how to evacuate and congregate safely while maintaining physical distancing

First Aid 

The Vine Conference Centre will have trained First Aiders on duty.  Those practicing First Aid at the Vine will have updated their knowledge on how to respond safely during Coronavirus and will record and document updated training on a record form.[6]

 

Stay at Home Guidance

Stay at home guidance for people who have symptoms or have a COVID-19 diagnosis (whether they have symptoms or not), and their household members (household isolation)[7]

It’s very important that you stay at home if you have symptoms that may be caused by coronavirus (COVID-19). You should also stay at home if someone you live with or someone in your extended household has symptoms.

Household isolation will help to control the spread of the virus to friends, the wider community and the most vulnerable.  See full guidance here.

People who are required to self-isolate should not attend work or the conference centre. This includes:

  • Individuals who have developed COVID-19 symptoms or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (whether they have symptoms or not) – they should follow self-isolation guidance on NHS Inform and Test and Protect
  • Individuals from the same household as someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (whether they have symptoms or not) – they should follow self-isolation guidance on NHS Inform and Test and Protect
  • Individuals who have been identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 – they should follow self-isolation guidance on NHS Inform and Test and Protect

Individuals who are clinically vulnerable or shielding should follow up to date guidance from NHS Inform, Scottish Government and their workplace.[8]

Dealing with someone who becomes unwell

What action needs to be taken if someone becomes unwell with symptoms of COVID- 19 whilst on site at your organisation?

In preparation, make sure that all staff and individuals in your workplace/organisation, including children and young people, know to inform a member of staff or responsible person if they feel unwell. The following guidance may need to be adapted to ensure a responsible adult is there to support the individual where required.

 

If the affected person has mild symptoms they should go home as soon as they notice symptoms and follow the guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection. Where possible they should minimise contact with others, e.g. use a private vehicle to go home. If it is not possible to use private transport, then they should be advised to return home quickly and directly, and if possible, wear a face covering in line with Scottish Government guidance. If using public transport, they should try to keep away from other people and catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue. If they don’t have any tissues available, they should cough and sneeze into the crook of the elbow.

 

If they are so unwell that they require an ambulance, phone 999 and let the call handler know you are concerned about COVID-19. Whilst you wait for advice or an ambulance to arrive, try to find somewhere safe for the unwell person to sit which is at least 2 metres away from other people.

If possible and it is safe to do so, find a room or area where they can be isolated behind a closed door, such as a staff office or meeting room. If it is possible to open a window, do so for ventilation. The individual should avoid touching people, surfaces and objects and be advised to cover their mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when they cough or sneeze, and then put the tissue in the bin. If no bin is available, put the tissue in a bag or pocket for disposing in a bin later. If you don’t have any tissues available, they should cough and sneeze into the crook of their elbow. Where possible, a separate bathroom should be designated for the individual to use. Once the individual has left, follow advice below.[9]

Contact with a case of COVID-19

Everyone should follow guidance for contacts of cases of COVID-19 when advised to do so. Individuals identified as a contact of a case of COVID-19 should follow advice on self- isolation. For further information, see Scottish Government’s collection of guidance on Test and Protect and NHS Inform.

Asymptomatic individuals living in the same household as someone with symptoms or a confirmed case of COVID-19 should follow household isolation (stay at home) advice on NHS Inform.

 

Environmental decontamination (cleaning and disinfection) after a possible case has left a workplace or other non-healthcare setting.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Once a possible case has left the premises, the immediate area occupied by the individual, e.g. desk space, should be cleaned with detergent to remove organic matter such as dust or body fluids then a disinfectant to kill pathogens. This should include any potentially contaminated high contact areas such as door handles, telephones and grab-rails. Once this process has been completed, the area can be put back into use.

Any public areas where a symptomatic or COVID-19 diagnosed individual has only passed through (spent minimal time in), e.g. corridors, and which are not visibly contaminated with any body fluids, do not need to be further decontaminated beyond routine cleaning processes.

Environmental cleaning and disinfection should be undertaken using disposable cloths and mop heads using standard household detergent and disinfectant that are active against viruses and bacteria. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for dilution, application and contact times for all detergents and disinfectants. All cloths and mop heads used must be disposed of and should be put into waste bags as outlined below. The person responsible for undertaking the cleaning with detergent and disinfectant should be familiar with these processes and procedures.

In the event of a blood and body fluid spillage, keep people away from the area. Use a spill- kit if available, using the personal protective equipment (PPE) within the kit or PPE provided by the employer/organisation, and follow the instructions provided with the spill-kit. If no spill- kit is available, place paper towels over the spill, and seek further advice from the local Health Protection Team.

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for environmental decontamination

Occupations should continue to use any PPE required as per local policies (business as usual). If a risk assessment of the setting indicates that a higher level of contamination may be present (for example, where unwell individuals have slept such as a hotel room or boarding school dormitory) or there is visible contamination with body fluids, then the need for additional PPE, such as an apron and gloves, should be considered.

 

Waste

Ensure all waste items that have been in contact with the individual (e.g. used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths) are disposed of securely within disposable bags. When full, the plastic bag should then be placed in a second bin bag and tied. These bags should be stored for 72 hours before being put out for collection. Other general waste can be disposed of as normal.

 

Laundry

Wash items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest water setting and dry items completely. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an unwell person should be laundered separately where possible. Do not shake dirty laundry, as this minimises the possibility of dispersing virus through the air.

Clean and disinfect anything used for transporting laundry with your usual products, in line with the cleaning guidance above.

If you do not have access to a washing machine in your setting, ensure dirty laundry is kept bagged at home for 72 hours before taking to the launderette.

After handling dirty laundry ensure hand hygiene is carried out.[10]

 

Face Coverings[11]

A face covering must be worn by all people in the Vine Conference Centre, except where an exemption applies.

Physical distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene are the most important and effective things we can all do to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The wearing of face coverings must not be used as an alternative to any of these other precautions.

There is evidence that face coverings have some additional value, especially in crowded and less well ventilated spaces, and where 2 metre distancing is not possible.

In indoor places and where physical distancing is difficult and where there is a risk of contact within 2 metres with people who are not members of your household, you are expected to wear a face covering.

This includes when visiting or attending an appointment at any healthcare setting such as GPs’ surgeries, dentists, optometrists and hospitals.

People must by law wear a face covering in shops, on public transport and public transport premises such as railway and bus stations and airports, and in certain other indoor public places such as shops, restaurants (when not seated), libraries and places of worship.

There is no evidence to suggest there might be a benefit outdoors from wearing a face covering unless in a crowded situation.

 

It is important to note the difference between face masks and face coverings. Face masks are surgical or medical grade masks that are used in health and social care situations. The use of face masks is not currently recommended for the general population. There is no evidence of benefit to support the use of face masks outside healthcare environments. Face coverings are made from cloth or other textiles that cover the mouth and nose, and through which you can breathe (e.g. a scarf).

Physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene, are the most important and effective measures we can all adopt to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Therefore the wearing of facial coverings must not be used as an alternative to any of these other precautions. There are some circumstances when wearing a face covering may be marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure. The evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you, but it may protect others if you are infected but have not developed symptoms.

A face covering can be very simple and may be worn in enclosed spaces where social distancing isn’t possible. It just needs to cover your mouth and nose. Face coverings are not the same as the PPE used to manage risks like dust and spray in an industrial context. Supplies of PPE, including face masks, must continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace, such as health and care workers, and those in industrial settings like those exposed to dust hazards.

Employers should support their workers in using face coverings safely if they choose to wear one. This means telling workers:

  • wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before putting a face covering on, and after removing it
  • when wearing a face covering, avoid touching your face or face covering, as you could contaminate them with germs from your hands
  • change your face covering if it becomes damp or if you’ve touched it
  • continue to wash your hands regularly
  • change and wash your face covering daily
  • if the material is washable, wash in line with manufacturer’s instructions. If it’s not washable, dispose of it carefully in your usual waste
  • practice social distancing wherever possible

The Scottish Government have published guidance on use of face coverings.[12]The guidance also contains detail of exemptions and reasonable excuses not to wear a face covering.

Provision of Food

We are not currently preparing or providing food or beverages until we receive clearer guidance from the Scottish government.  As a result, our kitchen and café will remain closed.  Our café is sectioned off to provide a corridor for our one-way system.

 

Key Risk Factors for Events

Crowd Density

For each request to use our facility, we have to consider whether it is possible to put in place physical distancing for attendees and employees in order to reduce the risk of transmission. Each room will have an upper limit of people that can use it at any one time so please ensure you know the maximum number of people that are allowed to attend your event from the Conference Centre Manager, Mr Tim Thomson.

We will consider your desired start and end time to ensure people are arriving and leaving the premises at staggered times.

Registering Attendees at Events

Every attendee at your event will need to be registered.  Please complete the attendee registration form (include GDPR form here) at the start of each day and hand to conference centre manager, Mr Tim Thomson.

Please inform all attendees before arriving at the Conference Centre information about behaviours and lowering risks of transmission.

This register of attendees will assist with contact tracing in the event that someone attending the event does have coronavirus.

Here’s a copy of our Test and Protect Collection of Personal Data – Privacy Notice

This is following guidance from the Scottish Government published 14th July 2020.If I have staff or volunteers which use the building I must also provide the Conference Centre Manager with the following details:

The names of staff and volunteers who work at the premises
A contact phone number for each member of staff and volunteer
The dates and times that staff and volunteers are at work

“Collecting contact details will be voluntary, but it is important that both premises and individuals cooperate, as it will be crucial to national efforts to suppress the virus. This measure forms part of enabling premises to open safely, minimising the risk of the number of infections increasing, and will reduce the risk of requiring future restrictions.”

Demographics of attendees

Certain groups are at higher risk from coronavirus, such as those over 70 and those from BAME backgrounds. Organisers should consider whether their likely audience is a group at higher risk from coronavirus and if so whether the event should take place.

 


Update 24.07.2020.

Because the Scottish government has decided to pause shielding, those who are at higher risk and those who are shielding can now follow the same guidance as the rest of Scotland.  Here is the latest advice from the Scottish government:

“Pausing shielding

We will be pausing shielding from 1 August. This is because the levels of infection in Scotland are low enough for us to do this.

This will mean that you can follow the same guidance as the rest of Scotland. To stay safe, you should strictly follow physical distancing and hygiene measures. From 1 August, we expect that it will be safe enough for you to:

  • return to work or school
  • return to university or college as part of the phased return to campus
  • go inside pubs and restaurants
  • attend places of worship for congregational services, communal prayer and contemplation”

 


Venue or Site Visitors

The Scottish Government recommends:

“Many venues or sites, especially larger ones, may normally have several contractors and visitors not employed by the event organiser running the venue / site. This presents increased risk of virus transmission if people do not adhere to the same interpretation of rules. To address this risk event organisers should consider limiting venue / site access to those who need to be there for safe operation, ensuring safe working practices and production related activities and implementing a permit to work system for contractors and external visitors who still need to access the site. This would set out requirements for how everyone behaves on a site including entering and leaving the site, clarifying responsibilities for all around maintaining good hygiene and physical distancing.”[13]

As a result we will ask all delivery drivers not to enter our building but to knock on front door or telephone ….  Mr Tim Thomson, Vine Conference Centre Manager will go outside to receive all deliveries and ask delivery drivers to sign their own paperwork for their delivery.

No visitors are allowed to enter the building.  Signs will be displayed clearly outside our building to ask all visitors not to enter our facility but to knock on main door or telephone…. And a person will go outside to speak to them.

 

[1] https://hpspubsrepo.blob.core.windows.net/hps-website/nss/2973/documents/1_covid-19-guidance-for-non-healthcare-settings.pdf

[2]Consistent with the advice set out from the Advisory Group above we will retain 2 metres as the default physical distancing requirement for Phase 3, as it has been in previous phases of the Route Map. We are, however, intending to make exceptions to this 2 metre requirement for a limited number of sectors and settings, following agreement of appropriate and necessary mitigating measures. These exceptions would take into account the wider harms caused by the 2 metre rule – to broader health, the economy and society – as well as transmission risk, particularly in known high-transmission risk settings. In such sectors and settings where the exception applies, individual workplaces, premises or settings may be permitted to move to 1 metre distancing only where agreed risk mitigation measures are in place. Potential illustrative examples are set out below.”  https://www.gov.scot/publications/covid-19-scotlands-route-map-through-out-crisis-update-approach-physical-distancing-light-advice-scottish-government-covid-19-advisory-group/pages/2/

 

[3] In addition to this we are also introducing two new measures to come into effect on 3 July for children and young people that should allow significant improvements to their quality of life, particularly during the school holidays.

 

[4] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings

[5] https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-public-and-customer-toilets-guidance/pages/hygiene-measures/

[6] https://blog.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/what-can-i-do-as-a-first-aider-at-work-or-in-public-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak See also “Vine Church and Conference Centre Exit Lockdown and Return to Work Report” ADDENDUM IV – COVID-19 Guidance for First Aiders

[7] https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-infection

[8] https://hpspubsrepo.blob.core.windows.net/hps-website/nss/2973/documents/1_covid-19-guidance-for-non-healthcare-settings.pdf

[9] https://hpspubsrepo.blob.core.windows.net/hps-website/nss/2973/documents/1_covid-19-guidance-for-non-healthcare-settings.pdf

[10] https://hpspubsrepo.blob.core.windows.net/hps-website/nss/2973/documents/1_covid-19-guidance-for-non-healthcare-settings.pdf

[11] https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-events-sector-guidance/pages/operational-guide-and-checklist/

[12] https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-phase-3-staying-safe-and-protecting-others/pages/face-coverings/

[13] https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-events-sector-guidance/pages/deliveries-distribution-and-visitors/

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