On 8 December 2021 the Government announced it was moving to “Plan B”. We recommend members read the update from the Government, available here. The current working from office guidance was issued on 12th December, and states that “Office workers who can work from home should do so”, and as such we anticipate a number of our members will now want to work from home especially with the Christmas break.
The guidance also states “Anyone who cannot work from home should continue to go into work”, so we want our members to know that if this applies to you we’ll still be open as usual, but that the building may be quieter than usual. We’d like to also emphasise a couple of key points from the guidance -
If people need to come in, we recommend they take lateral flow tests regularly to manage their own risk and the risk to others. We’ll have spare flows on site if you forget to take one before heading in.
If you or anyone in your team has COVID, and you’ve been in ARK, please do let us know so that we can let anyone you came into contact with know. It may be advisable to take a PCR test before heading back in to ARK just to eliminate the risk to others.
We’re so incredibly grateful for all the support of the community at this time. We’re also aware that this is a challenging time for many of you, and that the effects of working alone or at home have put a strain on our mental health and wellbeing. For support, and for staying in touch with life in the community, do check out ARK online.
We have prepared a guide and risk assessment on the impact of COVID in KX House, you can read our policy here:
In our policy we mention a number of changes that we have implemented in order to make ARK COVID secure at this time:
One-way flow in the building.
The staircase opposite the entrance door used as an ‘up’ staircase. The left hand staircase is used as the ‘down’ staircase, leading to the ground floor for exit through the main entrance way.
Hand sanitisers
Please wash your hands as soon as you enter the building - hand sanitisers are available and clearly labelled throughout the building.
Contactless Entry
Contactless entry key pad is now available using fob. Please collect a fob from the ARK team.
Track & Trace
Download the sign in companion app, or scan the QR code with your phone camera.
Meeting rooms
Have been rearranged to allow for social distancing.
Cleaning
Increased cleaning, with updated training on hotspots.
In line with Government Guidance, we have displayed our “Staying COVID-19 Secure in 2020” poster on our entrance-way noticeboard, and include it below for reference.
Please, where possible, avoid using Public transport to travel to ARK. Where you find you have to use public transport, please remember to wear a face mask. TFL have asked that travellers avoid their peak times:
5:30-8:15 AM
4:30-5:30 PM
TFL have created “Streetspace for London”, a plan to create more space on streets so people can walk or cycle while social distancing, easing the pressure on public transport as the pandemic lockdown is lifted.
Some streets have been switched to walking and cycling (and in some instances buses). This is now planned for streets between:
London Bridge and Shoreditch
Euston and Waterloo
Blackfriars and King's Cross
Old Street and Holborn
Useful links
Tfl cycle routes
Walking steps and times between stations
Hire a Santander bike
We are not mandating face masks & current guidance does not require it in offices, although please note from 24 July shops & public transport will require you to have one. Should you feel more comfortable to wear a face mask though please do feel free to use one!
Current guidance from the Government is available here.
Public Health England Guidance recommends recording daily attendance for the purpose of track and trace. As such, we now have a quick and easy daily sign-in and out by the front door. Download the sign in companion app to sign in and out when you’re in the building.