Guidance

COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities

Guidance for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening multi-purpose buildings.

This publication was withdrawn on

This guidance is withdrawn as it’s no longer current. While cases are high and rising, everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious. This is why we are keeping in place key protections on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. You should also follow the measures in the working safely guidance.

Applies to England

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A new COVID-19 variant is spreading in some parts of England. There may be additional advice for your area. Find out what you need to do.

Community centres, village halls, and other multi-use community facilities support a wide range of local activity. However, their communal nature also makes them places that are vulnerable to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

This guidance is for those managing multi-use community facilities. It signposts to relevant guidance on a range of different activities that can take place in these spaces.

Many community facilities are also workplaces and those responsible for the premises should therefore be aware of their responsibilities as employers.

Published 30 June 2020
Last updated 17 May 2021 + show all updates
  1. Updated to reflect Step 3 of the Roadmap.

  2. Updated to reflect Step 2 of the Roadmap out of lockdown.

  3. Updated to reflect 4 January announcement of national lockdown for all England.

  4. Updated to reflect changes to local restriction tiers

  5. Updated guidance to reflect the tier system in England from 2 December.

  6. Guidance updated to reflect new national restrictions in England from 5 November.

  7. Updated to reflect guidance on new local COVID alert levels.

  8. Guidance updated to reflect changes in legislation to track and trace.

  9. Guidance updated to incorporate changes in regulations, announced by the Prime Minister on 22 September 2020.

  10. Revised to reflect changes to upcoming NHS Test and Trace rules and restrictions on social groups gatherings.

  11. Amended to reflect up coming changes to rules on social gathering

  12. Revised to reflect changes to restrictions on permitted activities under section 3 and to clarify face covering advice under section 2C.

  13. Updated section 2c: Hygiene and face coverings; and section 3. Permitted activities in multi-use community facilities: signposting to relevant guidance.

  14. Revised to reflect permission to host small wedding receptions from 1 August

  15. Amended to reflect upcoming changes to the rules on wearing face coverings

  16. Links added to guidance on rehearsal and training; to guidance on maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace; and to guidance on the phased return of outdoor sport and recreation in England.

  17. Section 3c revised to reflect availability of the Performing Arts guidance.

  18. Revised to reflect that multi-use community facilities can now open.

  19. First published.