COVID Update 52

Please read this important message From Mike Sandys, Director of Public Health for Leicestershire...

As Director of Public Health for Leicestershire I am writing to you to ask for your support in tackling coronavirus and to thank you for your efforts so far.

Cases of coronavirus are rising across Leicestershire and parts of our county have seen local lockdown and increased restrictions over the last few months. Most of the county is on ‘medium’ alert level following the government’s latest announcements, while Oadby & Wigston has been placed at a ‘high alert’ level. Businesses in Oadby & Wigston should refer to the Leicester local restrictions government advice to see how you are affected.

Coronavirus alert levels are not static
It is in our own hands locally to keep ourselves and our loved ones, staff and customers safe. In short – it’s down to all of us. As a local business, you can play your part in avoiding further disruption to all our lives by:

• Collecting data from customers and visitors and encouraging use of the NHS test and trace app.
• Working with NHS Test and Trace to reduce transmission of the virus.
• Clearly displaying information to your staff and customers reiterating some of the simple actions that we must all do to protect each other (I’ve attached some materials to help you with this).
• Advising staff not to car share if possible, but if it’s essential, to encourage them to follow safety advice (see attached poster).

These simple measures should be followed everywhere – not just at work, but everywhere we go – to help stop the spread of the virus. We’ve heard these messages so many times, and they may seem almost too familiar now that we forget how important they are.

• Keep 2 metres apart where possible
• Wash hands more regularly – and for 20 seconds or more
• Wear a face mask when required – and always in enclosed paces
• If you or a member of staff has symptoms, they should book a test at nhs.uk or call 119 – and follow instructions carefully if you test positive to make sure that you don’t infect others.

You can access support and advice from your local environmental health team via your district council and from Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards
officers.

If you are not already familiar with the government’s business support, then please take time to read this.

I’ve attached some materials which may be helpful to you, and we’d be very grateful that you shared with your staff and customers.

Thank you for everything you do to keep your staff and customers safe – it is much appreciated.

Mike Sandys
Director of Public Health for Leicestershire
Leicestershire County Council

We have received reports that this new event is going well and entries for the FREE Fun Treasure Hunt are being submitted regularly. Please advise friends and family to have a go – there are £700 in valuable prizes through donated vouchers to be won through a random Prize Draw.

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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.

Hinckley BID Treasure Hunt Poster
(pdf)