| Bristol moves to Tier 3: Very High alert On Thursday 26 November, the Prime Minister announced the tiers local authorities will go into when the national lockdown restrictions are lifted on Wednesday 2 December. It has been confirmed that Bristol will move into Tier 3. This will come into effect at 00:01 on Wednesday 2 December. The new restrictions mean people are prohibited from socialising with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, and are advised to reduce the amount of travel they make. Residents can still see friends and family they do not live with (or have not formed a support bubble with) but only in public outdoor spaces. However, they must stay at least two metres apart and limit the number to six people. People can continue to travel to businesses or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. Travel to other parts of the UK should be avoided, including for overnight stays other than where necessary. While all non-essential retail can re-open from 2 December, a high number of businesses and venues will be required to close in Tier 3. A full list of these and exceptions can be found on the government website. They include: – hospitality settings: they can continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services – accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses – indoor entertainment and tourist venues – indoor attractions at mostly outdoor entertainment venues – leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes (including fitness and dance) must not go ahead. We know that the majority of businesses in Bristol are doing everything possible to ensure they are COVID-secure, and compliance in the city has been very good. However, now more than ever it is essential that we all comply fully in order to protect your business, your employees and the economy. The government has now given us further enforcement powers if businesses are not following restrictions and while we do only want to use them as a last resort, we will do so in order to protect our city. Fines of up to £10,000 can be given depending on how many breaches there have been. Following the new restrictions in Tier 3 is essential. We must all comply to stop further spread of coronavirus and to protect our city. |
| COVID-19 Business Grants The deadline for the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) is at midnight today (Friday 27 November), so businesses need to apply as soon as possible. The grant is for businesses that have had to close due to lockdown but DON’T pay business rates, as well as for businesses that are open but experiencing decreased demand. Additionally, the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) Addendum is exclusively for businesses that pay or are liable for business rates, and have had to close due to lockdown. This grant covers the period of lockdown, so businesses should apply as soon as possible. Businesses will only be eligible for one of the two grants – not both. To find out more about these grants and apply, visit our webite. Our team is working hard on getting new grants set up for when we enter Tier 3. This grants will be the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) [NB: not Addendum] and the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open). We will share more details on this as soon as we can. COVID Marshals Have you spotted our COVID marshals in Bristol? There are currently 16 COVID marshals on the ground across the city to help keep everyone safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Marshals are here to: – Encourage social distancing – Remind people to wear a face covering where required – Check that all businesses are COVID-secure – Hand out face coverings and hand sanitiser – Clean frequently touched surfaces. For example cash points Whilst they cannot enforce compliance or issue fines, our marshals do work closely with Avon & Somerset Police, and will report breaches when necessary. Please treat our marshals with respect. They’re here to keep us all safe. If you want to recommend an area to patrol, or raise an issue that needs to be addressed, email: health.safety@bristol.gov.uk Help and Support Bristol City Council’s dedicated COVID-19 webpages are updated frequently. Find support and advice for businesses. The full outline of restrictions in Tier 3 can be found on the government website. Find guidance for making your workplace COVID-secure. How can we help you? We will do all we can to address the needs or concerns of businesses across Bristol. If there is anything that you think we can do to better help people and businesses, please share these with us: business@bristol.gov.uk. You can also contact us with any queries you have too. |