COVID-safety measures
As restrictions in England have been lifted, we want to ensure that all our visitors and staff still feel safe and comfortable when on the Parliamentary estate. We have decided to maintain the following measures until otherwise announced, in accordance with industry best practice and guidance issued by the Business Visits and Events Partnership.
Face coverings
Face coverings are a matter of personal choice, with the Government guidance suggesting they should be considered:
- when you are coming into close contact with someone at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell from COVID-19 or other respiratory infections ;
- when COVID-19 rates are high and you will be in close contact with other people, such as in crowded and enclosed spaces ;
- when there are a lot of respiratory viruses circulating, such as in winter, and you will be in close contact with other people in crowded and enclosed spaces.
Additionally, people should wear a face covering when asked to do so, and/or when it would make someone else feel comfortable.
Ventilation
The ventilation systems on the estate are maintained and serviced in line with industry best practice and legal requirements. Wherever installed, mechanical ventilation has been switched to fresh air only. Where there is no mechanical ventilation doors and windows that can be opened will be opened when rooms are occupied, and room capcities have been reduced.
Hand sanitisers
Hand sanitiser is provided in multiple accessible locations throughout the Parliamentary Estate for visitors to use.
Hand washing
All washrooms and toilets are stocked with anti-bacterial hand soap, and stringent handwashing guidelines are in place for all staff to supplement our current personal hygiene policy.
Additional cleaning
Our already high cleaning standards will continue to be enhanced by a cleaning programme designed to clean and sanitise the high touch points throughout the Parliamentary Estate. Procedures exist for cleaning after a known or suspected case of COVID-19.
Contactless payments
We no longer accept payments in cash at events. All payments must be made by card or contactless. Our tills accept contactless card payments up to a value of £100 and Apple Pay/Google Pay mobile payments in our venues.
Feeling unwell
Visitors with symptoms of COVID-19, flu and common respiratory infections should not visit the Parliamentary Estate until these have passed. Please view the government guidance for a full list of relevant symptoms.
COVID remains a risk and visitors are encouraged to continue to exercise personal responsibility at all times.
For more information on planning your visit to Parliament, including information on the security measures we have in place, please see our Planning your visit page.
Page last updated: 25 April 2022
