covid19 – Gizmo Outdoors

The End of COVID-19

Posted on 5th April 202221st June 2022 by Ross Spencer in COVID-19 Update

From 1st April 2022, COVID-19 Restrictions in most of the UK have been been ended.

From 24th February 2022

The legal requirement to self isolate following a positive test ended
Self Isolation payments ended
Routine Contact Tracing ended with the requirement to test for 7 days after contact needed
The legal requirement for non-vaccinated close contacts to self isolate ended

From 1st April 2022

Those with COVID-19 symptoms are expected to exercise personal responsibility
Free COVID-19 Testing (Symptomatic/Asymptomatic) has been stopped
Voluntary COVID-19 status certification is no longer recommended

In line with these current recommendations, I have taken the decision to cease working with restrictions in place and return to operating under a more ‘normal’ set of practices. As such, the COVID-19 Policy previously available here has been removed, together with the “We’re Good To Go” Logo, and the associated risk assessment annotated as no longer being valid.

Naturally, I will continue to monitor any changes to the situation in the UK and beyond and, if needed in the future, will re-implement any appropriate restrictions in order to keep myself, my clients and others safe.

Thank you to everyone who I’ve worked with over the last couple of years while we’ve battled against these very troubling times. Lets hope we don’t see a resurgence of the virus ever again.

Restrictions Lifted

Posted on 24th February 202221st June 2022 by Ross Spencer in COVID-19 Update

As almost all of you will be aware, the UK Government are lifting the vast majority of Covid-19 legal restrictions today, including the need to self isolate following a positive test. There is still advice in place to stay at home if we do test positive, but it appears to be the same as with most viruses that we’re to do so on our own cognisance.

With the above changes taken into account, I’ve updated my Covid-19 Risk Assessment to reflect these changes, although it’s almost entirely now a moot point to have one.

The End of COVID-19

5th April 202221st June 2022

Of course, I’m going to continue monitoring how things proceed from here and, as I’m sure will many of you, will wait to see what may happen next. If things continue to go as they are presently, I will be reviewing the need to continue having a Covid specific section of the site on the 1st April, when the Government plan to lift the last of the legal sanctions in place.

I’m sure that you’ll all agree that this is great news, both in terms of the events industry and general life itself. It’s been a very difficult 2 years, with many of my industry contacts taking a hit to their businesses, sometimes catastrophically.

Lets look forwards to living with Covid in a more practical way and, finally, being able to get back to some sense of normality.

Covid-19 Risk Assessment

Posted on 24th February 202210th April 2022 by Ross Spencer in Uncategorized

Gizmo Events Covid-19 Risk Assessment

From 1st April 2022 and following the removal of all COVID-19 restrictions in England, this Risk Assessment no longer has any legal bearing and will not be considered in any working context.

It has been left here for reference purposes only.

Event Name	Event Date	Date of Assessment
All Events	All Dates	24th Frebruary 2022

Overview and Scope of Document
This risk assessment has been written as a stand-alone assessment of current risks in relation to Covid-19 and should be read in conjunction with any other risk assessments related to specific events. This document focuses solely on additional potential risks imposed by the Coronavirus when working at event venues. This risk assessment will be reviewed at least every three months unless there are significant changes to UK Government Guidance or there is cause to review the document earlier.

Overview and Scope of Document

This risk assessment has been written as a stand-alone assessment of current risks in relation to Covid-19 and should be read in conjunction with any other risk assessments related to specific events.

This document focuses solely on additional potential risks imposed by the Coronavirus when working at event venues.

This risk assessment will be reviewed at least every three months unless there are significant changes to UK Government Guidance or there is cause to review the document earlier.

Hazard	Who’s At Risk?	S	L	R	Controls	A
Contracting Covid-19 through proximity to others	Event staff, participants, marshals and spectators	2	1	2	With the current UK vaccination program and legal requirements for self isolation now removed, it is felt that there is now very little risk involved in contracting Covid-19 through proximity to others, especially when attending outdoor events. In the event that anyone working with Gizmo Events feels unwell or shows symptoms potentially related to Covid-19, they will be asked to remain at home until no longer unwell	Y
Contracting Covid-19 through contact with others	Event staff, participants, marshals and spectators.	2	1	2	With the current UK vaccination program and legal requirements for self isolation now removed, it is felt that there is now very little risk involved in contracting Covid-19 through proximity to others, especially when attending outdoor events. In the event that anyone working with Gizmo Events feels unwell or shows symptoms potentially related to Covid-19, they will be asked to remain at home until no longer unwell	Y
Contracting Covid-19 through contact with higher risk objects (e.g. water containers)	Event staff, participants, marshals and spectators	2	1	2	With the current UK vaccination program and legal requirements for self isolation now removed, it is felt that there is now very little risk involved in contracting Covid-19 through proximity to others, especially when attending outdoor events. In the event that anyone working with Gizmo Events feels unwell or shows symptoms potentially related to Covid-19, they will be asked to remain at home until no longer unwell	Y

Assessment Completed By	Review Date
Ross Spencer (Gizmo Events)	1st April 2022

Table Key

S	L	R	A
SEVERITY	LIKELIHOOD	RATING	ACCEPTABLE?

Risk Rating Guidance

Rating	Severity	Likelihood
1	Trivial	Improbable
2	Minor	Unlikely
3	Major (Single)	Possible
4	Major (Multiple)	Happens Occasionally
5	Hospitalisation	Happens Periodically
6	Fatality	Happens Frequently

Rating	Risk	Acceptable?
1-6	Low	Yes
7-15	Medium	Yes but additional controls should be considered wherever possible
16-36	High	Not Acceptable – Additional controls required

Restrictions Ease

Posted on 27th January 202220th June 2022 by Ross Spencer in COVID-19 Update

From today it is no longer a legal requirement to wear face coverings around the UK but the advice is still to wear such protection when in crowded areas, particularly indoors when close to people we don’t normally meet.

With this new guidance in mind, I have reviewed our current COVID-19 Risk Assessment to reflect these changes and update my practices accordingly.

I will still be carrying a face covering with me when attending events and, in the situations where I need to be inside or close to people (regardless of location) I will continue to wear them on a case-by-case basis.

Whilst I won’t be routinely self testing for the Covid virus as a matter of course any longer, I will still be making use of the testing kits I have in the event that I suspect I may have come into contact with someone displaying symptoms.

Tier 4 Restrictions

Posted on 4th January 202120th June 2022 by Ross Spencer in COVID-19 Update

Following the Government’s decision to raise the COVID-19 restrictions to Tier 4 across most of the East of England and then place the country into Lockdown, we have made the decision to place all activities on hold until further notice in line with current legislation.

As always, we will continue to monitor updates made by the government and adjust our policies and practices accordingly.

The particular piece of guidance related to us and our services is as follows:

Sports and Physical Activity
Indoor gyms and sports facilities will close. Outdoor sports courts, outdoor gyms, golf courses, outdoor swimming pools, archery/driving/shooting ranges, riding arenas and playgrounds can remain open for individual exercise, and for people to use with others within your household, support bubble, or with one person from another household. Organised outdoor sport for under 18s and disabled people is allowed.
Guidance Tier 4: Stay at Home

Click here to read the full Tier 4 Guidance

Feature Image by rottonara from Pixabay

Merry Christmas!

Posted on 24th December 202020th June 2022 by Ross Spencer in What's New?

Whilst many of us are not going to be having the festive season we’d hoped for, we’d like to wish all our clients, friends and followers a very Merry Christmas!

Tier 2 Restrictions

Posted on 2nd December 202020th June 2022 by Ross Spencer in COVID-19 Update

As the UK COVID-19 Lockdown has ended last night, we are now returning to operating as closely as possible to usual under the relevant tier restrictions for any venue locations for planned events.

Currently, all events that we are supporting are taking place within areas with Tier 2: High Alert restrictions in place and we will be closely following the government guidance inline with these limitations.

Our practices and risk assessments have been reviewed and updated in line with the new restrictions and we are looking forward to getting back to doing what we love.

We will continue to review and monitor the guidance around the relevant tiers and if local restrictions change, or if it’s necessary for us to work in an area with different tier restrictions, we will appropriately review and update our practices.

To find which tier your local area is currently in, click the button below

Check Your Local Restrictions Here

For information, we’ve included the full Tier 2 guidance below:

Full Tier 2: High Alert Guidance

you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’
businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs
pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals
hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to:
- provide table service only, in premises which sell alcohol
- close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas are exempt)
- stop taking orders after 10pm
hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
early closure (11pm) applies to casinos, cinemas, theatres, museums, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm
public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors
public attendance at spectator sport and business events can resume inside and outside, subject to social contact rules and limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors
places of worship remain open but you must not socialise with people from outside of your household or support bubble while you are indoors there, unless a legal exemption applies
weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events such as wakes or stonesettings.
organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue
organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing
you can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible
if you live in a tier 2 area, you must continue to follow tier 2 rules when you travel to a tier 1 area. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey
for international travel see the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for your destination and the travel corridors list

Source: Local restriction tiers: What you need to know

Feature Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

COVID Tier Restrictions

Posted on 24th November 202020th June 2022 by Ross Spencer in COVID-19 Update

Gizmo Events are continuing to observe the current lockdown restrictions in England. However, in light of the statement made by the Prime Minister on 23rd November, we are now preparing to return to work under the three tier system on 2nd December 2020.

The statement made by the Prime Minister to the Members of Parliament yesterday was welcome news to us, just as it must have been to anyone working in the Hospitality or Events Sectors.

In short; from 2nd December 2020 we’re exceedingly hopeful that we will be able to return to work under a more rigid version of the Tier System that we experienced prior to the current Lockdown 2.0 restrictions. The return to the tier system, as it stands now, will mean that planned events will be able to resume across much of the country.

Over the next two weeks, we will continue to monitor updates to the restrictions and and any changes to the governments Winter Plan to ensure that we keep ourselves, our clients and their visitors safe as the crisis continues.

Whilst there are a raft of measures in place, the restrictions most pertinent to our services and the ones we will be initially focusing on are those below:

Tier 1: Medium Alert

Public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 4,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors.
Public attendance at spectator sport and business events can resume inside and outside, subject to social contact rules and limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 4,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors.
People who live in a tier 1 area and travel to an area in a higher tier should follow the rules for that area while they are there. Travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas should be avoided other than where necessary. Travel through a tier 3 area as part of a longer journey is permitted.

Tier 2: High Alert

Public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors.
Public attendance at spectator sport and business events can resume inside and outside, subject to social contact rules and limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors.
People who live in a tier 2 area, must continue to follow tier 2 rules when they travel to a tier 1 area. Travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas should be avoided other than where necessary. Travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey is permitted.

Tier 3: Very High Alert

There should be no public attendance at spectator sport or indoor performances and large business events should not be taking place. Elite sport events may continue to take place without spectators.
Large outdoor events (performances and shows) should not take place, with the exception of drive-in events.
Organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue, however higher-risk contact activity should not take place.
Organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes cannot take place indoors. See full guidance for exceptions.
Travel to other parts of the UK, including for overnight stays should be avoided, other than where necessary. Travel through other areas as part of a longer journey is permitted.

Of course, there’s a chance that things may change for us all again between now and the start of December but we will remain hopeful that these restrictions stay as they are now, and that we’re able to get back to what we love doing!

COVID-19 Lockdown

Posted on 16th November 202020th June 2022 by Ross Spencer in COVID-19 Update

In line with the current Lock Down situation in England, Gizmo Events are not presently operating any services. We will review the situation by 2nd December 2020 once government legislation & guidance is updated.

As with many sectors and companies around England and the rest of the UK at the moment, much of our working life has been shut down while we get the virus spread back under control.

However, this has provided us with an opportunity to review our working practices and make sure that we are still operating in the safest way possible once we are able to return to our, much missed, outdoor activities.

As part of this ongoing review process, we have taken the opportunity to make sure that we have fulfilled the “Good To Go” Industry Standard for all sectors of the tourism and events industry and have fully achieved this aim earlier today.

We have now updated and published our COVID-19 Statement, detailing how we are adapting our practices, that we will continue to update as needed and when the situation changes.

In the meantime, we will continue to observe the current lockdown and keep ourselves safe while we look forward to being able to return to work in the (hopefully) not too distant future!

#StayHomeStaySafe