2020 was a year rocked by COVID-19. Lockdowns, restrictions and concerns about catching coronavirus have had a real impact on how many people are visiting the places they would unquestionably have spent time in pre-COVID-19. On the ground, many organisations attest to the fact that they’re not as busy as ‘normal’ whether that’s due to having to limit visitors, adhere to curfews or operate remote working.

New independent research commissioned by phs Group, not only evidences this experience but also reveals the extent of how much consumers are actively choosing to avoid specific indoor settings and identifies concerns about hygiene and social distancing measures being implemented by businesses.

With so many businesses within the Hospitality industry reliant on footfall for income, this is a major hurdle – particularly for those who have already lost out due to lockdown closures.

We’ve all heard the message of ‘hands, face and space’ and these are important aspects in infection control combated by hand washing, masks and social distancing. But what about the air we breathe? Concerns over indoor air quality have been growing for some time and with the colder weather the risk of COVID-19, is further increasing. Scientists worldwide are pointing to the airborne risk of contamination and this urgently needs addressing to enable people to spend time in indoor settings more safely.