News and service updates
 Act like you've got it
The new COVID-19 variant is spreading fast and around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 don't have any symptoms.
Continue to follow the Government lockdown restrictions to help slow the spread of the virus:
- You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary.
- Only exercise outdoors for 1 hour per day by yourself or with one other from a different household.
- Limit trips to the supermarket and try to go alone.
- Do not meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble.
- Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds.
- Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
- Stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble.
Support local businesses
We have launched a new campaign to encourage people in North Herts to support local businesses by shopping online during lockdown.
The pandemic has had a huge impact on shops, pubs and restaurants with some having to close. Many local businesses have worked tirelessly to offer shoppers an online experience instead with retailers now offering online shopping; whilst cafes and restaurants are offering takeaways.
The latest research reveals that for every £1 spent with a local, independent business, between 50p-70p circulates back into that local economy. That’s why this Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign is encouraging residents to shop safe and buy local wherever they can.
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Additional support announced for North Herts businesses
If your business has been impacted by the current national lockdown, then you may be eligible for additional grant support. We are now accepting applications for:
National Restrictions Support Grant and Closed Business Lockdown Payment
- The payment for this period will be made for a six week period from 5 January - 15 February 2021.
- When you complete this application, we will also determine and include the one-off payment for the Closed Business Lockdown Payment for those businesses in the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure sector.
Additional Restrictions Grant - North Herts Licensed Taxi Drivers
- Taxi Drivers that are licensed by us and also reside in the North Herts area can now apply for the Additional Restrictions Support Grant scheme.
- This scheme will close on Friday 5 February 2021.
More details on all the available grants can be found on our website:
 Holocaust Memorial Day virtual event
Wednesday 27 January is Holocaust Memorial Day and the theme this year is ‘Be the light in the darkness’ which encourages everyone to reflect and learn about other cultures, community cohesion and appreciating the diversity of people's different backgrounds and circumstances.
To shine a light on the day, we will be hosting a virtual event which will be live streamed on our YouTube channel at 11am on the 27 January. Rabbi Alan Garber of the Shenley United Synagogue will open with a prayer and individuals from different faiths will speak, reflecting on what the day means to their religion.
There will also be stories from Jewish families who settled in Letchworth Garden City before and after the Second World War, and a video interview of Ivor Perl, a Holocaust survivor who was sent to the Auschwitz death camp aged 12.
If you're interested in viewing the event, find more details on our website:
Stay up to date
You can find out more about how coronavirus is affecting North Hertfordshire on our website, including:
You can also subscribe to text and email alerts to stay informed on the go.
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