The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an especially steep toll on the UK's hospitality sector. Hostels across the country have stood deserted since the third national lockdown began on January, 6, 2021.

1. COVID-19 Safety Standards
for Hostels in the UK
LHA London

2. LHA London
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an especially steep toll on the UK's hospitality sector. Hostels across
the country have stood deserted since the third national lockdown began on January, 6, 2021.
As per government regulations, travel restrictions will be eased just in time for summer. Domestic
overnight stays in hostels, B&Bs and hotels will be allowed for leisure purposes beginning May 17. The
reopening of hotels is a key feature of Step 3 of the government’s “unlockdown” plan.
From the same date, indoor dining in restaurants and pubs will be allowed for groups of up to six.
Cinemas, theatres and concert halls are set to reopen their doors to the public, as well.
General regulations for all hostel settings
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, the government has set the following
guidelines for commissioners, managers and staff of hostels.
• Ensure all residents and members of staff are familiar with social distancing and self-isolation
protocols.
• Staff must be trained to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Staff and residents should stay at least 2 metres away from others at all times

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• Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the facility. This includes light switches,
doorknobs, handrails, and table tops. High-traffic areas including stairways and elevators must
also be sanitised regularly.
• Face masks must be worn by residents and staff when in communal indoor spaces unless they are
exempt to do so due to health or disability.
• Hostels are required to monitor COVID-19 symptoms among staff and residents. Each resident
should be examined daily for continuous cough, high temperature, or loss of normal sense of smell
or taste.
• Staff who exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms must self-isolate at home and apply for a test as
essential workers. If the test is negative and the person is no longer experiencing symptoms, they
can stop self-isolating. If the test is positive, the employee must complete a 10-day self-isolation.
For hostels, strict adherence to best practices and public health guidance is critical in keeping
patrons and staff safe and ensuring continuous business operations.

4. SOURCES:
• https://lhalondon.com/
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-services-for-people-
experiencing-rough-sleeping/covid-19-guidance-for-commissioners-and-providers-of-hostel-
services-for-people-experiencing-homelessness-and-rough-sleeping
• https://www.healthylondon.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LCRC-FAQ-V1.2-Homeless-
settings.pdf
• https://www.timeout.com/news/when-will-hotels-reopen-in-the-uk-022321