This latest guidance explains the additional steps you should consider to reduce the risk of catching or passing on COVID-19. This guidance is for people living in all types of housing, in particular for people who live in:
- accommodation with shared facilities, such as a block of flats
- a flat or house share where tenants live with another person with whom they are not related and share cooking and bathroom facilities
- a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), which is where 3 or more people from 2 or more different families share cooking or bathroom facilities
- co-living where multiple people/households share some facilities or common areas
Ventilation
In addition to social distancing and other measures, you can also reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 if you:
- avoid coming into contact with people in spaces with limited flow of fresh air such as rooms with windows that are never opened
- make sure you let plenty of fresh air into your home without getting uncomfortably cold. If you have people working in or visiting your house for permitted reasons, you should do this during their visit and after they leave
Cleaning
Reducing clutter and removing difficult to clean items can make cleaning easier. Increase the frequency of cleaning, using standard cleaning products such as detergents and bleach, paying attention to all surfaces but especially ones that are touched frequently, such as door handles, light switches, remote controls and electronic devices.
Kitchen
It is very unlikely that COVID-19 is transmitted through food. However, as a matter of good hygiene practice, anyone handling food should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before doing so.
Use a dishwasher to clean and dry your crockery and cutlery. If this is not possible, wash them by hand using washing up liquid and warm water and dry thoroughly using a separate tea towel. Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly and common kitchen appliances including fridge handles and kettles.
Bathrooms
If available, operate a bathroom fan when the bathroom is in use and clean frequently touched surfaces regularly, as well as opening window/s (if available). Toilet lids should be closed before flushing to reduce aerosol droplets. Where cloth towels are used, these should be for individual use and laundered in accordance with washing instructions.