

Hospitality businesses in the Epping Forest district are due to reopen this weekend.
We’re helping hospitality businesses get ready for reopening this weekend after nearly 15 weeks of coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, said Epping Forest District Council Leader, Councillor Chris Whitbread.
There’s lots of guidance on our website including information about relaxing rules around outside tables and chairs to help businesses trade safely and responsibly.
We’re urging residents to check out their favourite cafe, bar, restaurant or pub websites and social media before venturing out. It may be that you need to book rather than just turning up, or perhaps there is an App to order your food and drink, and even maybe changes to opening and closing times.
Act responsibly
Leader of Council Councillor Chris Whitbread said:
We want people to enjoy themselves but stay within Government guidelines, to avoid Epping Forest district facing another lockdown, as is happening in Leicester.
As local hospitality businesses start to get back on their feet, helping us all ease back into our social lives, it is important that we all act responsibly, observing social distancing and continuing with regular hand washing to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
United during lockdown
Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan, lead for local policing in Essex said:
Everyone needs to continue to take responsibility for their own safety when they are out and about, and also look out for the safety of others.
Essex was united during lockdown, and we must remain united as we begin our safe return to high streets and businesses across the county.
Drinkaware
Drinkaware, the independent charity working to reduce alcohol misuse and harm in the UK is urging caution particularly for those people who have had COVID-19. In returning to drinking alcohol they suggest ‘resetting the dial to low risk drinking’ as we come out of lockdown.
Check out the Drinkaware app for more information.
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