New COVID-19 Restrictions in Nottinghamshire
You may have seen media coverage mentioning possible new COVID-19 restrictions in Nottinghamshire.
This week, we joined other local authorities across Nottinghamshire in asking residents not mix indoors with people from other households.
This comes as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase across the local area and in anticipation of new restrictions for the whole of Nottinghamshire being announced next week.
We don’t have the full detail of the possible Government changes yet but as soon as we do, we will share them with you. This is likely to be Monday.
To make sure all local businesses are updated as things change, we will:
- Share an additional bulletin on Monday to clarify any changes as soon as possible after any announcement
- Brief your COVID-19 Information Officers, Janice and Zahid so they can continue to support you
- Update our website and social media channels regularly (please check these channels for the most up-to-date information)
The situation is changing very quickly, but we will keep you updated with any announcements as soon as we possibly can.
There will be lots of speculation and rumour so it’s important to be aware of false information:
- Consider the source – where did you receive the information from?
- Cross check – are other reliable platforms sharing the same information?
Follow accurate advice, from accurate sources:
How to shop safely advice
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has published advice for people to abide by store guidelines with regards to social distancing and face coverings.
An information video, designed to remind people of the rules, was released on their social media channels on 25th September.
Feel free to share these and other Government resources, posts and reminders on your social media channels if relevant, so we can all do our bit to remind people of the rules.
Staying Safe in Broxtowe Video
Have you been visiting our Broxtowe town centres? Here's one of our COVID-19 Information Officers, Zahid Javed, along with local businesses and residents, talking about what businesses have done to make our town centres safe.
Town Centre Information Officers
Janice and Zahid have been continuing to visit businesses in the high street this week, to ensure all remain compliant with COVID-Secure legal trading guidelines.
Update from Janice
“Businesses are adapting very well to the ever-changing information, advice and guidance, moving to mandatory status. Retailers are going the extra mile to be compliant, and receptive to suggestions to grow their businesses.
In such difficult times it is very encouraging to also see new businesses opening on our Broxtowe towns. New business appointments with us are always very welcome, so Zahid and I can help new businesses be COVID-19 compliant, from the moment they open their doors.
Despite the recent additional COVID-19 restrictions in the local business world, there is an air of optimism and an eagerness to make sure safety is always the top priority.”
Does your business need assistance?
Our Town Centre Information Officers can assist you in ensuring:
- Maximum capacity in premises is appropriate (to give customers plenty of space);
- You are up to date with the latest government guidelines that are applicable to your business;
- Your Track and Trace processes are in place;
- General advice and guidance for operating during the pandemic.
Business visits
Businesses can arrange appointments directly to see either Town Centre Information Officer to discuss trading COVID-securely by emailing:
Zahid.Javed@broxtowe.gov.uk - For Beeston Businesses
Janice.Owen@broxtowe.gov.uk - For Eastwood, Kimberley and Stapleford Businesses
Alternatively give either Janice or Zahid a wave when you see them in town. They are here to help!
Mandatory face covering changes
It is now mandatory for all those inside retail shops (including supermarkets) and hospitality premises to wear a face covering, unless specifically sitting down to eat or drink.
The wearing of mandatory face coverings previously applied to the customers and visitors only within retail and hospitality settings, but has been extended to include all the staff members by law.
This now means customers need to keep their face covering on when entering a premises, not just to the entrance, but until they have actually been seated. If they are to then move around these premises for any reason, including when leaving, staff will need to ensure that face coverings are reapplied.
All staff members whether in a shop, or serving in pub, bar or restaurant will need to wear face coverings at all times.
Staff to work from home
Employers are now being encouraged to encourage their employees to work from home, where it is possible to do so.
To help contain the virus, office workers who can work effectively from home should do so over the autumn and winter period.
Public sector employees working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go into work where necessary.
 Test and Trace
Customers MUST provide full and accurate details of everyone in their group when visiting a venue as part of the NHS Test and Trace service. As a business or venue, you must ask all customers to provide contact details on arrival. QR posters should be displayed so customers can check in using the NHS COVID-19 app. If customers choose to check-in using the QR code, names and contact details are not needed.
NHS Test and Trace is vital in helping us stop the spread of COVID-19 in Broxtowe, if you need support please contact your COVID Information Officer today.
COVID-Secure guidelines for trading becomes law
Businesses are reminded that the guidance applicable to their setting, for operating COVID-Securely are now law.
To view the correct and most up to date guidance for different businesses, please visit our 'Open for Business' webpage.
Rule changes for hospitality businesses
- All hospitality venues must close at 10pm, every night. This means close, not last orders.
- Takeaway businesses must also close their doors to walk-ins and customers wishing to collect pre-orders by 10pm, but can continue to offer a delivery only service beyond 10pm.
- All pubs, bars, restaurants must operate by table service only.
- All STAFF and visitors/customers must now wear face coverings in hospitality venues, unless seated at a table to eat or drink. Staff in retail settings must also now wear a face covering as part of the rule changes.
Businesses will be fined and could be closed, if they breach the rules.
 Kick Off with Kick Start
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
If you could offer work placements and want to find out how you can get involved, please join these sessions to learn more, get advice from scheme experts, plan next steps, connect with employers and organisations already involved.
There is an event being held:
Thursday 15th October, 8:30am to 9:30am
To book your place and receive your calendar invitation please email: tracy.gooch@dwp.gov.uk
 COVID Recovery Grant Update
In July the Government announced a national support grant package specifically aimed at helping small businesses that can demonstrate they’ve been impacted by COVID-19 and provide 100% grant funding to support them to be more productive.
This new limited funding is managed by local Growth Hubs and will provide at least £1,000 funding to support one or a combination of the following activities:
- Access to technology or new equipment which will support the business being more productive
- Access to professional advice such as HR, legal or financial to aid business decision making and risk management
All businesses that have registered an interest and are eligible to receive funding will be contacted by the D2N2 Growth Hub to progress their application very soon. This will be managed by Nottingham City Council (accountable body for the D2N2 Growth Hub). In order to ease the process and manage demand, an application portal has been established for use by registered applicants.
Businesses who do not progress to the application stage will be invited to a workshop to find out more about other funding available in the local area to support their business. D2N2 Growth Hub have prepared a comprehensive overview of what to consider before you apply for any grant funding, which can be found here. There is also a list of local sources of finance, which can be found here.
Council Services During Coronavirus
The Council is sharing regular updates about affected Council services at https://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/coronavirus
You can also get updates on our social media accounts.
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