Regulations and advice issued in today’s guidance include those for preparing facilities, cleaning, personal hygiene, personal protective equipment, ventilation, and how to communicate safety measures to clients, participants and staff.

The guidance complements MRS’s existing code of conduct and does not supersede any government advice.

The government has also confirmed to MRS that face-to-face research with people aged over 70 can now go ahead if precautions are taken.

Viewing facilities and other venues are allowed to open again on 4 July, as lockdown eases across England. Other parts of the UK will reduce lockdown later this month.

Jane Frost, chief executive of MRS, said: “Face-to-face research is a crucial part of our sector and the insight it yields will be essential in helping our economy recover and understanding the impact of the crisis on current business and society to build for the future.

“As we move into this next stage in lifting lockdown, it is critical that research practitioners continue to prioritise the safety of their participants, staff, contractors and clients, so that they can grow and retain public confidence in the work they do.”

She added that MRS would continue to review and update the guidelines as the pandemic develops. The MRS guidance can be viewed here and previous guidance can be found here.