Advanced Search
Download

Coronavirus Update

Following consultation with our partners at VisitBritain please find below an update on COVID-19.

Latest Update

The Prime Minister held a press briefing confirming England will move to Step 3 on 17 May. He outlined the measures that will change from that date, see changes below. The Prime Minister also said that subject to the impact of these relaxations on the data, we are on track to move to Step 4 on 21 June.

The what you can and cannot do guidance for England has been updated with measures that will change from 17 May

Guidance of reopening businesses and venues

Further easing of COVID restrictions has been confirmed by the Government for 17 May. This means that Planned Step 3 easements will go ahead from Monday 17 May.

Business and activities

Most businesses in all but the highest risk sectors will be able to reopen. In all sectors, COVID-Secure guidance will remain in place and businesses may not cater for groups bigger than the legal limits. Indoor hospitality will reopen - and as in Step 2, venues will not have to serve a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks; and there will not be a curfew. Customers will, however, have to order, eat and drink while seated.

Other indoor locations to open up in Step 3 include indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and children’s play areas; the rest of the accommodation sector, including hotels, hostels and B&Bs; and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes.

Here are some of the key messages for businesses:

Increasing the circulation of outdoor air
Increase the circulation of outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors wherever possible.

QR code displays
Designated venues in certain sectors must have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff to help break the chains of transmission of coronavirus.

In order to maintain records of staff, customers and visitors, businesses in certain sectors should display an official NHS Test and Trace QR code. This will enable NHS Test and Trace to identify and warn people who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Information on which sectors this applies to can be found here. An NHS Test and Trace QR poster can be downloaded here.

Downloading COVID-19 signage for your business
City of York Council has created a business recovery toolkit, which includes downloadable resources to help support your business to reopen safely, as lockdown restrictions are lifted. COVID-19 signage can be found here.

COVID Marshalls
There are COVID Marshalls available to help support business. If any business would like a visit for help or advice on compliance then please email public.protection@york.gov.uk

Testing staff
Along with helping your staff get tested regularly, you can also help promote regular testing to customers to help keep the city safe.

Home testing kits can now be collected from each of our testing sites (University of York, York St John University, York Stadium Leisure Complex and Foxwood Community Centre). Tests can be ordered online or by phone, where they can be picked up at a testing site and then carried out at the home.

Further information regarding testing can be found here.

Vaccinations
Businesses should consider how they can make it as easy as possible for staff to be able to take up their offer to be vaccinated.

Working from home
People should continue to work from home if you can and minimise the number of journeys made where possible.