COVID Update 51

Note: Hincley is currently in the "Medium" Alert Level

On 12th October the Prime Minister announced the introduction of the Local Alert Levels of Very High, High and Medium for England. Local COVID Alert Levels set out the information for local authorities, residents and workers about what to do and how to manage the outbreak in their area. See link for areas with restrictions in place.

A postcode checker on Gov.uk will show which alert level applies in each area and the NHS COVID-19 app will also direct people to this information.

The Medium alert level, which will cover most of the country including our Borough, consists of the current national measures.

The restrictions on businesses include the imposition of restricted hours for certain businesses and closure of certain businesses.

The need for the restrictions in these Regulations will be reviewed by the Secretary of State every 28 days.

The Regulations themselves expire six months after the date on which they have been made. You can find out more about them here.

Guidance
Here you can find out what restrictions are in place if you live in the area where the local COVID alert level is medium.

High alert level reflects the interventions in many local areas at the moment. This primarily aims to reduce household to household transmission, by preventing all mixing between different households or support bubbles indoors. Most areas which are already subject to local restrictions will automatically move into the “high” alert level including Nottinghamshire, East and West Cheshire and a small area of High Peak will also move into the “high” alert level. In these areas, the Rule of Six will continue to apply outdoors, where it is harder for the virus to spread, in public spaces as well as private gardens.

You can find out more about High Alert Level Regulations here.

Very high alert level will apply where transmission rates are rising most rapidly. In these areas the government will set a baseline of prohibiting social mixing indoors and in private gardens and, closing pubs and bars. Retail, schools and universities will remain open. Local Authorities in the Liverpool City Region will move into the “very high” alert level from Wednesday. Pubs and bars, in Merseyside gyms and leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos will also close.

You can find out more about Very High Alert Level Regulations here.

The Job Support Scheme
will be expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions. The government will pay two thirds of employees’ salaries to protect jobs over the coming months and cash grants for businesses required to close in local lockdowns will be increased to up to £3,000 per month.



A tweet about the Job Support Scheme can be seen here.

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Despite the best attempts by COVID to try to disrupt our lives, Hinckley Town Centre is holding its own and footfall is better than in many other places. Please remember that Hinckley BID is here to help you if we can – just email steve@hinckleybid.co.uk or martina@hinckleybid.co.uk
– or call Steve on 0770 939 4841.