The government has issued guidelines that allow domestic cleaning services to resume.

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Subject to acquiring the necessary supply of some products we plan to start a phased return to providing limited domestic cleaning services from the week commencing 18 May 2020. 

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I would expect a slow build up of houses wanting us to return as many people will still be at home rather than in the office. During Step 1 of the government's return to work process I intend to focus on providing cleaning to houses where there is no-one present in the house. Expectation is that Step 1 will last until 1 June 2020.

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We will not be able to provide a cleaning service to those in the highest risk group and who are currently shielding. I would recommend that we also do not provide service to those in the vulnerable category except when the house may be vacant.

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All colleagues can opt out of restarting work should they wish to do so. Please let me know what is your preference regarding restarting work.

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In order to return to work we must follow some requirements:-

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Preparations

It is recommended that you take the following, free online course concerning Hand Hygiene.
https://openwho.org/courses/IPC-HH-en

Please read the separate section demonstrating correct procedure for hand care.

Please source (preferably 2) face coverings which can be home made, cloth items. See also paragraph on face coverings below.

All government guidelines which are currently in place should be followed.
Please keep up to date with the government advice at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Symptoms

No work should be carried out by a cleaner who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild, or when someone in their own household has symptoms.

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Face-coverings

Face coverings should be worn  both in the car when travelling to/from jobs and in houses when you are with people not in your household.
As more people return to work, there will be more movement outside people's immediate
household. This increased mobility means the Government is now advising that people should aim
to wear a face-covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and
they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet.  Homemade cloth face-coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission in some circumstances. Face-coverings are not intended to help the wearer, but to protect against inadvertent transmission of the disease to others if you have it asymptomatically. A face covering is not the same as a facemask such as the surgical masks or respirators used as part of personal protective equipment by healthcare and other workers. These supplies must continue to be reserved for those who need it. 

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Travelling in car

If you are travelling to work in a car with someone who does not live in your household: 

• both parties should wear face coverings

• the passenger should sit as far away from the driver as possible (eg in the back seat on the opposite side of the car to the driver)

• the vehicle should be well ventilated. Open a window if conditions allow.

For more detail please see here.

During a visit

• Clients should be notified in advance of your arrival (this would normally be the case in any scheduled visit).

• On entry to the home you should wash your hands using soap and water for 20 seconds. You should wash your hands regularly, particularly after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing, and when leaving the property. Where facilities to wash hands are not available, hand sanitiser should be used, and you should carry this with you at all times.

• You should maintain a safe distance (at least 2 metres) from any household occupants (including colleagues who do not reside in your household) at all times, and ensure good ventilation in the area where you are working, including opening the window.

• Gloves must be worn in the houses. Special care should be taken when removing/disposing of gloves to avoid any possible contamination of your hands.

• If you are not the only person in the house then you should wear a face covering. Again please take care when putting on and taking off face masks.

• Any food or drink should be your own and not consumed in the house. If it is necessary to eat or drink while doing a house go outside briefly.

• Pay special attention to cleaning of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, using the usual cleaning products.

• Clean shared equipment (eg vacuum) regularly.

• Do not leave any items behind when you leave a house. Please check bags when leaving.

• Do not extend the stay in the house more than is necessary.

• Never use cloths from one house in another, as usual.