Coronavirus Update

PM announces easing of some lockdown restrictions

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today (Tuesday 23 June) set out further changes to lockdown measures in England to enable people to see more of their friends and family, help businesses get back on their feet and get people back in their jobs.

From Saturday 4th July, pubs, restaurants and hairdressers will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines.

From the same date, two households will be able to meet up in any setting with social distancing measures, and people can enjoy staycations in England with the reopening of accommodation sites.

In order to begin restoring the arts and cultural sector, some leisure facilities and tourist attractions may also reopen, if they can do so safely – this includes outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades, as well as libraries, social clubs, places of worship and community centres.

Following a review, the Prime Minister has set out that where it is not possible to stay two metres apart, guidance will allow people to keep a social distance of ‘one metre plus’. This means staying one metre apart, plus mitigations which reduce the risk of transmission.

“Close proximity” venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools, water parks, bowling alleys and spas will need to remain closed for now. The Government is continuing to work with these sectors to establish taskforces to help them to become COVID Secure and reopen as soon as possible.

While the infection rate continues to fall, the Prime Minister has been clear that the public must continue to follow social distancing guidelines to keep coronavirus under control. The Government will keep all measures under constant review and “will not hesitate to apply the handbrake, or reverse measures, should the virus begin to run out of control”.

â–º Central Government will publish Covid-secure guidelines for every sector that is re-opening so keep an eye on gov.uk for more details and we will cover these in our next e-newsletter too.

It is important to keep following these key points:

1. Keep washing your hands.

2. Stay 2 metres apart wherever feasible, and mitigate the risks at 1 metre where not.

3. Avoid public transport when possible, and wear a mask when not.

4. Get tested immediately if you have symptoms. More here. 

5. Self-isolate if instructed by NHS Test and Trace.

Follow social distancing advisory signs

Essex County Council and Braintree District Council have worked together to plan the installation of several social distancing signs while High Street and nearby improvement works are carried out by Braintree District Council.

Called ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’, these schemes aim to provide bigger, safer spaces for  shoppers, residents, workers and visitors to maintain social distance.

Measures will be installed in Braintree from tomorrow Wednesday 24th June and will be constantly reviewed and altered if required.

The measures in Braintree are designed to help allow people to social distance while also encouraging more people to walk and cycle.

Learn more here.Â