BUSINESS and shop owners whose institutions have temporarily closed are being cautioned by Slough Borough Council to uphold their health and safety responsibilities.

With the coronavirus still in the public eye, owners of businesses considered ‘non-essential’ which have temporarily closed are being reminded by the council to adhere to their responsibilities by regularly checking their premises remain safe, clean and pest free.

Owners are also asked to check for potentially deadly legionella bacteria in empty businesses, which has a chance to grow to unsafe levels in unused water systems.

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Ann Stewart, from the food and safety team, said businesses where food remains on the premises need to make sure it is stored correctly, any fridges and freezers continue to operate properly and all waste is properly disposed of and collected.

Business which have remained open are being urged by the council to prioritise social distancing measures which includes limiting the number of people on the premises at any one time, asking people with symptoms not to enter and reminding both staff and customers to keep two metres away from each other, wherever possible.

Checking on the health status of their employees, providing handwashing facilities and increasing scope and frequency of cleaning routines should be done under the council’s ‘guidance and business check list’ which can be found here: www.slough.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/coronavirus-guidance-for-businesses.aspx.

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Alan Sinclair, director of adult and community services, said: “Whether businesses remain open or closed due to the coronavirus crisis owners have responsibilities.

“Businesses with staff and customers on the premises have a daily challenge to keep everyone adhering to social distancing guidelines and provide a safe environment to work and shop.

“However, business owners who have had to close their premises still need to regularly check on them as well as their stock, and be prepared for when lockdown restrictions are eased.”

For more information and the checklist visit  www.slough.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/coronavirus-guidance-for-businesses.aspx.  The food and safety team can also be contacted for advice by email on Food.Safety@slough.gov.uk.