

The Eat Out to Help Out vouchers incentive starts today (3 August) to attract customers to restaurants, pubs and cafes throughout August.
Face masks to become mandatory
Face masks will be mandatory in shops and supermarkets from Friday 24 July with fines of up to £100 for anyone failing to wear one. And it’s important to dispose of them responsibly in the residual waste bin at home or at work, or a litter bin if outside. They do not have to be ‘double-bagged.’
This new directive comes hard on the heels of restaurants, pubs, cafes and other places being encouraged to sign up to the August incentive to attract customers. Those registering will be able to offer a 50% reduction – up to a maximum of £10 per person – to all diners who eat and/or drink-in throughout August.
Back to business
Close contact services, such as nail bars, beauty salons, tanning booths, spas, massage parlours, tattoo parlours and body piercing studios are now able to get back to business if they wish, although services involving work in the highest risk zone – directly in front of the face – are still banned.
From Saturday 25 July sports facilities and venues such as indoor gyms, fitness and dance studios, indoor swimming pools and indoor water parks, will be able to open – subject to evidence closer to the time.
Support by eating and shopping locally
Leader of the Council Councillor Chris Whitbread said:
Local businesses across the district have done a great job at changing the way they run to adapt to social distancing rules and make things safer for us, their customers. The best thing we can do is to support them by shopping and eating as locally as possible.
We want people to enjoy themselves but stay within Government guidelines, to avoid Epping Forest District facing another lockdown, like other parts of the country.
Restrictions on gatherings
There are still restrictions on gatherings with families and friends inside and outside of the home. For a full list of restrictions visit GOV.uk coronavirus outbreak faqs what you can and cant do.
How to register
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