‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’, the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England has been published by the Government. From Monday 8 March, people in England will see restrictions start to lift and the government’s four-step roadmap offer a route back to a more normal life.
Statement from Lisa Carlson, Canterbury BID CEO
“A clear road map that puts public health at the heart of our immediate recovery is welcomed, and a cautious approach allows us to hope that this lockdown is the last.“
“What will be key for businesses – from retail to commercial, leisure to hospitality – will be ongoing financial support to get them to a point where reopening is possible. The existing support has been welcome, but hasn’t covered fixed costs for the vast majority of businesses who continue to lose money during lockdown. To save jobs and livelihoods, we need tapered relief to ensure sustainable recovery and we need as clear a signal on extending furlough, business rates relief and VAT relief as we have previously for this roadmap.
“If we really are going to ‘build back better’ we need every sector supported through the reopening process. On 3rd March, we want to see the Chancellor deliver a robust and confident budget that secures the future of our business community.”
“We are very excited to start seeing people return to the high street, but we ask them to be patient and careful in this interim period – and to continue supporting local online and on social media as much as possible.”
Please keep us posted on your opening / reopening plans, so we can promote you on our popular local marketing platform, MyCanterbury.
Roadmap Overview:
In Step 1, the priority is to ensure that all children and students return safely to face-to-face education in schools and colleges from 8 March. The ‘stay at home’ rule will end on 29 March but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes.
In Step 2, which will be no earlier than 12 April, will see the opening of non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons; and public buildings, including libraries and community centres. Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also reopen (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups); as will most outdoor attractions and settings including outdoor hospitality venues, zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas.
As part of Step 3, no earlier than 17 May, the government will look to continue easing limits on seeing friends and family wherever possible, allowing people to decide on the appropriate level of risk for their circumstances. Most businesses in all but the highest risk sectors will be able to reopen.
By Step 4 which will take place no earlier than 21 June, the government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact. The government also hope to reopen remaining premises, including nightclubs, and ease the restrictions on large events and performances that apply in Step 3.
Roadmap in detail:
