Hospitality businesses in Carmarthenshire are being reminded of their responsibility to keep records of their staff, visitors and customers.
Welsh Covid-19 regulations make it compulsory for hospitality businesses including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes, and other high-risk settings – such as cinemas, leisure centres, swimming pools, fitness studios, salons and close-contact therapists – to collect contact details to support the NHS Test, Trace and Protect service.
Records must be kept for 21 days and provided to NHS Wales if they request it as part of this national programme.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s public protection teams are supporting businesses to comply with the regulations, offering advice and assistance.
Businesses are also being made aware of what could happen if they don’t comply, including notices for improvement or even closure.
Customers too are being encouraged to understand why a premises is asking for their contact information and the importance of providing correct details.
Cllr Philip Hughes, Executive Board Member for Public Protection, said: “We all have a part to play in preventing the spread of Covid-19, and complying with the regulations is the first step.
“Proper record keeping is vital in the event that NHS Wales needs to get in touch with people who may have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
“We’re asking businesses and customers to understand and appreciate the importance of this. Our teams are happy to offer advice and assistance, but if necessary they may have to take stronger action.”
What will the records be used for?
NHS Wales will only ask for records where it is necessary. This will either be because someone has tested positive for Covid-19 has listed the premises as a place they have worked at, or visited recently, or because the premises has been identified as the location of a potential outbreak.
If asked to do so, premises should share the information of staff, visitors and customers with the NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect service as soon as possible. Calls will only come from 02921 961133. Records should not be shared with anyone else.
What if a premises doesn’t keep records?
Any businesses that does not comply with these record keeping requirements could be issued with a ‘Premises Improvement Notice’ or a ‘Premises Closure Notice’, or both depending on the circumstances, by local authority enforcement officers.
What records are needed and how should they be kept?
Premises must maintain records of staff, customers and visitors to the premises for 21 days. This can either be done on paper or electronically but should adhere to General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Businesses should explain why they are asking for contact information and encourage customers and visitors to provide it.
Records should be kept of the names and contact details for each member of staff and the dates and times they are at work, and names and contact details for customers and visitors – or at least the ‘lead member’ for any group bookings – including when they were on the premises.
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