NHS Test and Trace
In line with government guidance we are required to keep an accurate temporary record of our visitors for 21 days to assist the NHS Test and Trace service with requests for data if needed for contact tracing and the investigation of local outbreaks. Your personal details will be captured and stored securely during our booking process.
Read our privacy notice
Social distancing
We request that visitors maintain a respectful and appropriate distance when in and around the building.
Please do not gather or congregate in the Society’s internal public areas, particularly before and after events.
Toilet facilities
A cycle of more frequent cleaning will be carried out to ensure highest levels of hygiene in our publicly accessible facilities.
Frequently asked questions
Why are you asking me to continue to take additional precautions when the public health advice has relaxed restrictions?
Following a careful review process, involving users and stakeholders in the building as an event space and to allow us to deliver essential services, we have prioritised the safety of our staff and visitors during the period of continued uncertainty linked to the transmission of COVID-19 virus variants.
We want to ensure that as a venue, we are able to continue to deliver services and access. In parallel we must also serve our wider responsibilities as a learned society, charity and membership organisation. Hence, we seek to protect our staff and pre-booked visitors, based on our assessment of the potential risks which larger audiences combined with our unique building footprint pose in the current situation.
We will keep these requirements under review, and should our Trustees be satisfied that the risk posed to staff and visitors has reduced significantly, then we will look to improve access and reduce the safety measures and precautions in place.
Will I need to book a place to visit the Society, in advance?
Yes, during this time period we are asking all visitors, including Fellows and members, to:
This is so we can manage the number of people in the Society at any one time and ensure everyone can keep a safe distance.
However, there is no need to pre-book visits to our exhibitions.
Can I get a ticket or appointment in person on the day?
No, all tickets and appointments must be pre-booked.
However, there is no need to pre-book visits to our exhibitions.
Can I book a group visit?
Group visits cannot be accommodated at this time. This is so we can follow social distancing measures safely.
What steps have you taken to ensure visitors with disabilities have access to the building?
We want to be as accessible and inclusive as possible in everything we do. We have ensured that maximum access and inclusion has been considered at every stage of our plan for reopening to create a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits.
Will the toilets be open?
Yes, there are toilets available for pre-booked visitors using our building, with social distancing measures and extra cleaning regimes in place.
Will cloakrooms be open?
All cloakrooms are currently closed. Please avoid bringing bulky coats and bags to the Society.
Will you be giving out maps, leaflets, or other paper items?
To minimise touch points, we are not giving out paper items.
Will family activities be taking place?
There are no family programmes running at the moment. This is so we can follow social distancing measures safely.
If I’m unwell on the day of my visit, what should I do?
If you or anyone you live with displays symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if you have recently been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 please stay at home and delay your visit, where possible we will try to accommodate your visit on a later date.
What happens if I am unwell following my visit, what should I do?
Please follow the Test and Trace process outlined here: NHS Test and Trace: what to do if you are contacted
What safety measures are in place?
We have been working hard throughout lockdown to put in place measures to ensure your safety and that of our colleagues. These include:
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two metre physical distancing with one metre+ distancing where this is not possible
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enhanced cleaning regimes
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hand sanitiser stations
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protective screens
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staff to assist with the flow of visitors, prevent queues and ensure that everyone complies with safety guidelines
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the removal of leaflets, books and other similar shared items to reduce transmission risk, although we will have special provision in our Exhibition Pavilion for those with sight impairment, on request.
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additional training for our staff
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PPE is provided for our staff as appropriate
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comprehensive risk assessments have been carried out
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our Exhibition Pavilion, Foyle Reading Room and wider building were deep cleaned prior to reopening
Please respect our staff and other visitors. The restrictions are there to keep everyone safe so please observe social distancing and use the hand sanitisers that are provided. Visitors accompanied by children are responsible for ensuring the child’s social distancing practices.
Should I wear a face mask?
Wearing a face covering is no longer a requirement, but we recommend that you wear one where possible to protect yourself and others.
You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to. This includes (but is not limited to): young children under the age of 11; not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability; if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress. For detailed guidance, please see Government's guidelines on face coverings