People in Tendring urged to act responsibly as lockdown restrictions eased

Residents and visitors to Tendring are being urged to act responsibly as further lockdown restrictions are relaxed from this weekend.

As the UK Government reduces some of the restrictions introduced to control the Covid-19 pandemic, changes will be apparent in various ways across the district.

Play areas and outdoor gyms provided by Tendring District Council (TDC) will begin to re-open from Saturday, 4 July for people to enjoy.

However, as it is not possible to deep clean them all regularly users should wipe down equipment themselves with anti-bacterial wipes, regularly use hand sanitiser, and maintain two metres social distancing – as well as being aware of and responsive to the risks.

As many pubs, restaurants and cafes, hairdressers and other businesses prepare to re-open from Saturday, customers are also being advised to check before they travel to their favourite venue.

Many will have restrictions in place, such as only taking people who have booked, running set time slots for customers, reduced opening hours and limited capacity, so customers are advised to check in advance what the situation is.

Those hoping to go into a pub should also consider that venues are being strongly recommended to not have live or loud recorded music or entertainment, not to broadcast sports or other content, while games of pool and darts should not be made available

They will also be expected to leave contact details as part of the Test and Trace scheme, and, as always, should drink responsibly.

With overnight stays permitted once again, those looking to spend the night away from home may find limits on accommodation such as hotels, and must follow rules about overnight camping which is restricted in many car parks in the district.

General advice around regular handwashing, wearing face coverings, and not to go out if you have symptoms of Coronavirus – a persistent cough, high temperature or loss of taste or smell – still apply.

People should also follow social distancing rules, which are two metres – where not possible then one metre is acceptable, if other measures (such as a screen or face coverings) are in place. However, only by being two metres apart will people avoid having to isolate should a contact test positive for Covid-19.

Neil Stock OBE, TDC Leader, said people were welcome to enjoy the relaxing of restrictions – as long as they do so responsibly.

“This is an important moment for Tendring, as it will be first time in more than 100 days that much of our hospitality and tourism industry can open up, and as always we welcome residents and visitors to explore our beautiful district within the rules,” Cllr Stock said.

“But they absolutely must do this responsibly, in line with the guidance, otherwise we face a local spike in cases and then a return to lockdown, which nobody wants.

“So please remember: Stay alert, so we can control the virus, and save lives.”

TDC will have staff monitoring the situation on Saturday, alongside partners such as the police, to advise businesses and look at what further steps might be required to help the district stay Covid-secure.

For information about TDC and Covid-19, including advice and support for businesses, visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/coronavirus

Money for signage and other measures implemented by TDC comes from the Government’s Reopening High Streets Safely Fund, which in turn is from the European Regional Development Fund.

2/7/2020

NEWSDESKS

For more information on this news release contact Tendring District Council’s Communications Manager Will Lodge on 01255 686338.

Attached images show signs installed in Clacton and Manningtree town centres. Pictures: TDC