Coronavirus Update 25/03/2020

As we have previously stated, the current pandemic situation remains a fast moving and complicated one.

Further to our update yesterday we wanted to let you know the current situation;

            Telecommunications Engineers, Field Engineers and Broadcasters.

            For engineers who have been designated as key workers, they may go to   people’s homes but obviously there is no guarantee the residents will allow        them in. We would recommend that whatever workarounds you can agree           on an industry basis to avoid engineers having to enter people’s premises but             still maintain connectivity to them are used - even if it’s passing cable via a     window in some cases.

It remains the case that the Government believe that citizens do need continued access to Broadband and TV services, for home working, home schooling and to receive news updates, as well as for entertainment at this difficult time. So, we feel we need to advise you to take a common sense approach to work:

If anyone is symptomatic of the virus in the household then obviously an engineer should stay clear.

If they are not symptomatic then an engineer might attend but observe strict social distancing (2m min) and strict hand hygiene (hand washing, disposable gloves, anti bac wipes for remotes etc, as previously advised) before and after the visit.

It's an individual choice for members to take a risk judgement on this.  They need to balance the risk to everyone and to be able to justify why they are not staying at home. No one should be forced to go to work if they don’t think it’s safe, or morally the right thing to do.

Regarding site work, it seems that the London Government is going to continue insisting that sites can remain open if they can be operated under PHE guidelines, the Scottish Government (and London Mayor, though he has no power over this) disagree and think they should be closed.  Many developers are closing sites.  As with domestic work, we believe this is a judgement call for every member involved, and members should only work on sites if they believe they can do so safely and are working outdoors.  We believe the chancellor should be announcing new measures for the self-employed today, which may well make this decision easier for you.

As we said yesterday, we have had to close the office and divert the phones to one mobile number.  Unfortunately, we have to rely on BT to divert the phones on our behalf.  They said yesterday morning it could take up to 24 hours, but at the time of writing it still hasn’t occurred.  We are chasing them obviously, but in the meantime don’t forget you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or ring Kevin with Technical queries on 07850 458077.

We continue to engage with all relevant authorities on your behalf, but hope this advice is useful.  We believe it’s unlikely that DCMS will issue guidance that is significantly different to the above – at least this morning – though things change very quickly of course.

Please stay well and safe, and do the right thing for yourselves, staff, suppliers and customers.