New Covid 19 Restrictions UPDATED for England Tier 4 December

Following the issuing of new four Tier restrictions for England MRS has issued new guidance interpreting the restrictions and specifying the implications for face-to-face data collection.  The new MRS guidance applies to face-to-face data collection activities conducted in England.

View the full PDF here

Some points to note from the new guidance:

• Whilst this guidance for Tiers 1 to 3 is similar to the previous England Tier guidance it is not the same, e.g., there are new requirements about vehicle sharing, travel and moving between Tiers, and research practitioners must familiarise themselves with the new requirements.
• The guidance includes requirements for the new Tier 4 which is now the majority of areas in England.
• Research practitioners have a responsibility to protect vulnerable groups, participants and the reputation of the profession.
• Research practitioners must undertake risk assessments of any proposed essential face to face data collection exercise before beginning the activity.

Full details including other issues such as travel, vehicle sharing, social distancing, facial coverings can be found here in the new guidance.

The MRS Standards Team are continuing to review and update the MRS guidance as and when required. The existing MRS Covid-19 guidance documents continue to apply supplementing the guidance issued today: 

• Undertaking Safe Face to Face Data Collection
• Undertaking Safe Face to Face Mystery Shopping
• Guidance on Facilities Used for Face to Face Data Collection

If you have any queries about the MRS Code or any of the MRS’ Covid-19 guidance please contact the MRS Standards Team via the MRS Codeline service (codeline@mrs.org.uk).