Community centres, village halls, and other multi-use community facilities support a wide range of local activity.

However, their communal nature also makes them places that are vulnerable to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

This guidance is for those managing multi-use community facilities to prepare for re-opening when restrictions have lifted. It signposts to relevant guidance on a range of different activities that can take place in these spaces.

Many community facilities are also workplaces and those responsible for the premises should therefore be aware of their responsibilities as employers.

Organisations also have a duty of care to volunteers to ensure as far as reasonably practicable they are not exposed to risks to their health and safety and are afforded the same level of protection as employees and the self-employed. See government information on coronavirus volunteering and how to help safely.

This guidance is national guidance that applies across England. As local restrictions are currently in place in Greater Manchester (since 31 July) you should consider these measures when reading and implementing this guidance. Local information for Greater Manchester is available here.

This is national guidance of a general nature and should be treated as a guide. In the event of any conflict between any applicable legislation (including the health and safety legislation) and this guidance, the applicable legislation shall prevail.

View the updated guidance here.

This guidance was updated on the 31 July.