Michael in the Garden

Coronavirus Policy – updated April 18th 2021

I want you to know that I appreciate the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic and I am following all government guidance and taking all steps necessary to protect my customers and help prevent the spread of the virus. With the current gradual relaxation of restrictions, there is cause for optimism that things may be resuming some level of normality. Bu

t, for the time being, I feel it is prudent to continue with the measures outlined below. At least until such time as it feels safe for both myself and you, my clients, to relax them further. I am also happy to discuss any individual elements, where you feel an adjustment to them might be appropriate. Here are the steps I will be taking to ensure your safety and my own:

• I will respect your decision about whether or not you want me to visit your garden. This will not affect our professional relationship down the line and I will be delighted to work with you again once you feel it is safe enough for me to do so.

• I will carry my own refreshments. Please don’t be offended if I refuse a cup of coffee and a biscuit.

• I will not expect to talk to you when I visit, and respect your right to isolate. I will, however, have a face mask and hand sanitizer on me at all times, in case of need.

• I will not use your equipment or tools, unless agreed in advance, and I will clean down and disinfect any of your tools I do use in the course of my work.

• I will offer cashless payment options (eg. bank transfer) or monthly billing to reduce contact, or agree a hiding place for cash payments in advance.

• I can help you budget by concentrating on essential maintenance or negotiating new working hours where we have a contract.

• I can communicate via telephone, email, text message, WhatsApp or letter, whichever you prefer.

• I will not come into your house to use the toilet (and I am happy to discuss suitably discreet alternative arrangements for the avoidance of embarrassment or misunderstanding).

• I will follow government guidance at all times and update this advice as the situation changes. This is not an exhaustive list and I am happy to discuss any concerns you may have. Please don’t feel that you can’t say what you need; I am willing to make all reasonable adjustments to my working practices to accommodate you. You can find the latest guidance here:

Main Welsh Government Coronavirus advice:
https://gov.wales/coronavirus

Welsh Government advice on outdoor working:
https://gov.wales/construction-and-outdoor-work-coronavirus-workplace-guidance-html

With all best wishes,

Michael Doward