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Covid restrictions relax further from Monday (17 May) and our high street businesses are looking forward to being able to trade in the ‘new normal’ way of life.
Covid Ambassadors
Pubs, restaurants and cafes can serve customers indoors with up to six people or two households allowed to mix. Outdoors the rule of six is scrapped with gatherings of up to 30 allowed.
As high street businesses open up our Covid Ambassadors will be out and about in town centres offering clarification and support on new Covid advice.
Free parking
And to further support our local high streets car parking will be FREE in all council-owned car parks across the district until Sunday 23 May.
Ambassadors will also be distributing leaflets advising businesses of financial support still available to them through the Essex Business Adaptation Fund to help them carry out adjustments to their premises or services, so they can operate in a COVID-secure way.
Keeping ourselves and loved ones safe
Council Leader, Chris Whitbread said:
We must take a common-sense approach as we move forward, following the guidance on how to stop the spread of coronavirus, especially if we have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
New advice on meeting friends and family emphasises personal responsibility, caution and consideration of the risks associated with COVID-19 and actions we can take to help keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.
Councillor John Philip, Cabinet Member for Economic Development added:
It’s great to see our high streets opening up further and helping bring prosperity back to local businesses. But it’s important that we still maintain caution in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among our community.
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