w/c 22nd February 2021
Remember a time when you could meet freely with family friends at Adventure Island, the beach or in the arcades? When you could shop for enjoyment and not just essentials? When you could meet with a friend at a bar on a Friday night?
As we continue through what feels like the longest Winter in history, the nation has never been more eager for Spring to arrive. This time it’s not just the nicer weather to look forward to; it’ll now signal the start of a four step roadmap back to seeing people and enjoying the things we love.
At the start of the week the Prime Minister outlined the stages for cautiously easing lockdown restrictions from the 8th March. These dates are caveated with the Government being satisfied that the data, such as the vaccine rollout or case numbers, does not present risks for further reducing restrictions.
In April you could be heading out to buy a new outfit and getting your hair cut before soaking up the sun in a pub garden. Outdoor attractions, libraries and gyms may also be open again and from May we’ll be able to venture inside with either six people or two households. The roadmap will culminate in England being free of restrictions on the 21st June. Rejoice!
Each prior stage will still have restrictions that we will need to follow in order to keep everyone safe, allow more businesses to open and give us more freedom to socialise. Businesses still have a hard time ahead and will need your help to recover faster. Continue to spread the word about local businesses you love, spend locally wherever possible, share upcoming business promotions and offers on social media, visit when allowed, and most importantly keep to the rules for each stage. By keeping our distance from those we do not live with now, we will be able to freely enjoy their company much sooner.
Applications for the Additional Restrictions Grant and Wet Led Pubs grant will both be closing in the next couple of days, if your business is eligible then head to the ‘Coronavirus Business Support’ section of the Southend Borough Council website to apply now.
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