Cleaners and nannies can return to work in people’s homes, as long as they are not displaying symptoms of coronavirus and everyone in the house is also well, new Government guidelines state.
Home helpers can now work if they follow newly devised safety advice designed to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus between households.
However, households which are isolating or where an individual is being shielded must not reemploy home helpers for the time being, the guidance states.
It comes after weeks of cleaners and nannies not being able to work, and families which usually rely on help having to manage without their staff during lockdown.
National cleaning agency, Housekeep, has sent out an email to customers inviting them to book cleaners through its website.
It says: “If everybody in your home is well, you can continue to book your Housekeeper as normal.”
Cleaners and nannies entering homes must now follow new safety guidance outlined by the Government.
It says they should notify all clients in advance of their arrival to the home. On entry to the home, they are advised to wash their hands using soap and water for 20 seconds. They should wash your hands regularly, particularly after blowing their 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 be carried at all times, the guidance says.
Cleaners must maintain a safe distance (at least 2 metres) from any household occupants at all times, and ensure good ventilation in the area where they are working, including opening the window, the guidance says.
And nannies should maintain a safe distance (at least 2 metres) from the household occupants they are not providing care for as much as possible, it says.