Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that members of the public protect themselves from the risk of covid-19 transmission from couriers and tradespeople calling at their homes.

On 6 January, the Government updated its guidance for the public, couriers and tradespeople, on how to interact with households. During interactions, maintaining social distancing, using face masks (as appropriate), and ventilating areas, is vital to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Couriers and tradespeople are asked to minimise contact with households during deliveries, and to utilise electronic methods of payments where possible. They should also communicate with households prior to arrival, and on arrival, should maintain social distancing and good hygiene practices. Businesses should also establish if anyone is vulnerable in a home before entering. No work should be carried out in a household if anyone is vulnerable or at risk.

Businesses need to ensure they take steps to protect both their customers and workers from the risk of Covid-19 transmission.