Coronavirus: Businesses reminded of coronavirus responsibilities as winter approaches

News from Shrewsbury Recovery Taskforce

Businesses are being urged to ‘stay on their guard’ against coronavirus to avoid any further restrictions being imposed during the coming months.

The Government recently published its Autumn and Winter Plan, which sets out a series of measures for people to follow – and officials in Shrewsbury are urging businesses to take note.

Shrewsbury Recovery Taskforce is made up of Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council and Shrewsbury BID (Business Improvement District), and meets regularly to discuss how to keep the town centre safe and welcoming for everyone.

Frances Darling, Shropshire Council’s head of trading standards and licensing, said businesses had an important role to play:-

“It’s vital that traders understand the latest Government advice and that we all do what we can to avoid spreading the virus wherever possible.

“It’s tempting for people to stop wearing face coverings, fall out of the habit of sanitising their hands and so on, but coronavirus has not gone away and we all need to stay on our guard.

“What the Autumn and Winter Plan says is that businesses have a responsibility to ensure their premises are well ventilated and that hand sanitiser should continue to be available for staff and customers alike.

“It also reminds businesses of their responsibilities about ensuring anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 stays at home, as well as any member of staff who may feel unwell.

“More detailed information is contained in the Government’s guidance on working safely during coronavirus, which all business owners should make themselves familiar with.”

The Government has published a ‘Plan A’ which is in implementation, and a ‘Plan B’, which will be introduced – potentially at very short notice – if the NHS comes under severe pressure.

Under Plan B, hospitality businesses such as nightclubs and music venues would have to ensure customers were vaccinated, using a COVID-19-status certification system. Face coverings would once again be compulsory in all businesses, and people would be asked to work from home.

Frances added:

“Businesses that may be impacted by the introduction of COVID-19-status certification are very strongly encouraged to plan for this position by checking the details, and voluntarily using certification with the NHS COVID-19 Pass now.

“This is because the Government has said that, if Plan B is implemented, it could be at short notice, with businesses given as little as one week’s notice – maybe even less – before mandatory vaccine certification comes into force.”

For more details, go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-autumn-and-winter-plan-2021