Moving Forward After Coronavirus
Moving forward after the Coronavirus Outbreak started would always be a problematic thing we all need to overcome, one way or another. At Deverell Hall we have been planning and preparing well in advance of how we can look at re-opening safely. There have been on-going maintenance works at the hall, and other matters requiring planning and attention.
For example, the hall has been deep-cleaned throughout including door frames, handles, windows and contact surfaces. As the weeks have gone by, we have also had heating and fire systems checked, CCTV system has been inspected and two cameras replaced as part of our annual maintenance agreement. Water taps have routinely been turned on for periods of time to combat Legionella bacteria caused by the build up of stagnant water standing in pipes/cisterns. Toilets have been flushed and the gas heating, hot water systems routinely operated to prevent contamination issues from lack of everyday use. External areas of grass have been regularly cut, weeded and kept in a presentable condition. Waste and refuse bin collections were suspended for this period by Biffa.
Phased re-opening - Our Plan
The amount of work involved in planning to re-open the hall, and to put extra precautions in place, signs etc has taken considerable time. We have constantly updated the news page with a Timeline of Events - Coronavirus (COVID-19). Furthermore, we have had to research Government guidelines, and look at many pages of documents. Working closely with Trace, Brian, Jane (Preschool Manager), and input from others too, for the hall to re-open safely, we have looked at various risks, potential issues, and mitigating circumstances in order to arrive at what we believe to be a thorough proactive draft risk assessment (in addition to our current risk assessment documents). Yellow lines have been painted on the driveway leading to the main entrance door and rear entrance doorway. This indicates not only a walkway, but lines at 2 metre intervals for social distancing.
The Preschool is scheduled to restart on Monday 15th June 2020, with a variation to their normal opening days. They will be open ALL DAY Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with their half day now scheduled for a Friday. This will remain in place until the end of their summer term.
Pending Government approval, we aim to re-open the hall for ALL OTHER REGULAR GROUPS commencing Monday 3rd August, with Casual Hirers considered for possible bookings from 7th September. At this stage, and before, we need to consider how the hall will deal with groups and request co-operation from all hall users to maintain a safe working environment.
ADDED Safety Precautions Now In Place
- Hand sanitisers at entry points added;
- Yellow lines painted on exterior entry points to indicate social distancing measures;
- Exterior signs erected reminding people of social distancing;
- Interior signs about cleanliness, hand-washing, social distancing installed;
- Preschool Parents and/or non essential visitors now restricted from entry into the building;
- Additional cleaning of contact surfaces increased;
- Risk assessments completed.
Check to see if the hall may be available for hire
You can see inside the hall and take a look at some of the features and benefits it has to offer. If you would like to make a bookings enquiry, you are most welcome to contact us. To see what availability there may be at the time you are thinking about, please check our online diary which should show you if the hall may be free at the time you would like to hire it.
Check Diary
