These are extremely challenging times for our local businesses, their staff and the wider population in general.
The roadmap out of lockdown sets out the agenda for the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. England moved to step three on Monday 17th May. The move to step 4 has been delayed until at least Monday 19th July.
Step 3 (current)
Further settings will be permitted to open. Unless a specific exemption exists, these must only be attended/used in line with the wider social contact limits at this stage - in a group of 6 people or 2 households indoors; or in a group of no more than 30 people outdoors.
Indoor areas of hospitality venues will reopen. As outdoors, table service will be required. Venues will be prohibited from providing smoking equipment such as shisha pipes, for use on the premises.
Indoor entertainment and visitor attractions will reopen.
Step 4 (now not before 19 July)
Step four should see the reopening of remaining premises, including nightclubs, and ease the restrictions on large events and performances that apply in Step 3.
This will be subject to the results of a scientific Events Research Programme to test the outcome of certain pilot events through the spring and summer, where the use of testing and other techniques to cut the risk of infection will be trialled. The same Events Research Programme will guide decisions on whether all limits can be removed on weddings and other life events.
As we move through each of these phases in the roadmap, we must all remember that COVID-19 remains a part of our lives. We are going to have to keep living our lives differently to keep ourselves and others safe. We must carry on with ‘hands, face, space’. Comply with the COVID-Secure measures that remain in place. Meet outdoors when we can and keep letting fresh air in. Get tested when needed. Get vaccinated when offered. If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar.
Focussing on businesses, we've organised this section around the following themes:
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