COVID-19: Update for businesses
Published on Monday, 11 January 2021
COVID rates are higher than at any point in the pandemic and have been rising extremely quickly. Our local rates are now over 500 per 100k and have risen by more than 100% since the middle of December. The NHS locally is under extreme pressure and this is set to get worse over the next few weeks as the number of new cases rises. To get on top of this we urgently need everyone to do everything they can to reduce transmission. Now that the new variant of COVID – which spreads much more easily – is in circulation, it is absolutely critical that all business, local groups and individuals comply with the letter and spirit of the legislation.
Please check the most up to date version of the legislation or the government guidance page for the national lockdown for details about what is permitted. It is really important to remember that people may only leave their home for work if they cannot reasonably work from home. If your staff can work from home, they must do so. For any activity that is permitted under the legislation, organisations, community groups and business MUST update risk assessments in the light of the increased transmission risk. Be aware that with the current very high rates and the fact that people may be asymptomatic, your plans should assume that you may have someone attending who has COVID. Your plans need to be robust enough to protect any staff or members of the public against this.