On the 16th of April the Government laid out 5 tests which needed to be met for us to be able to move to the next phase in our battle against Covid-19. These included making sure the NHS had the ability to cope with full supply of PPE; continuing to see a 'sustained and consistent' fall in the daily death and infection rate; and any adjustments not risking a second peak that would overwhelm the NHS.
Through our hard-fought efforts all five of these tests are being met. And we can see that from the independent Joint Biosecurity Centre too, which has downgraded the Covid alert level from four to three. This means that transmission of the virus is no longer high and rising exponentially and we can gradually ease restrictions.
With that progress having been made, from the 4th of July we will see the next phase of our plan to re-open businesses put in to effect. Pubs, clubs, restaurants, places of worship and other venues will be allowed to open their doors for the first time since the 23rd of March.
I know many will be eager to meet up with friends and family to grab a drink, have a meal or get that all-important haircut. And just as we have seen people coming out to support local businesses in retail, I know we will all want to do the same for our hospitality businesses too.
Things might look and operate differently, as businesses get Covid-Secure, but this is an important step. Our ability to reduce social distancing measures from 2m down to 1m+, confirmed by the Chief Medical Officer, will also make a big difference in ensuring any business re-opening can do so with the sufficient numbers to be viable. Cafes, bars and restaurants should also be supported in making better use of outdoor space too, making the most of the summer weather whilst we have it.
And as we continue to see the 5 tests being met, we will also be able to move even further, opening the last remaining premises, such as nightclubs, gyms, beauty salons and swimming pools, which for the moment must still unfortunately remain closed. I understand the immense pressure this will place on them and will be doing everything I can to see them re-open as soon as it is safe to do so. The Prime Minister promised to set up task forces to find the best way possible for this to happen and I’ll be working closely with these.
I also want to recognise those who are shielding, who have given up the most. With very limited contact with others, this has been particularly hard on them – I know this from my own family. That’s why I really do welcome the news that from the 6 July those who are in this category can meet outdoors with a small group, and from 1 August can end shielding.
As we see more freedoms return to our day to day lives I will again use this opportunity to promote all that we have to offer as a town and urge everybody to support the businesses in our Borough which make up our community. Together we have persevered and stuck to the path and although the fight is far from over it’s thanks to the sacrifices everyone has made over the past few months that has led us to this point.
