Posted on Tuesday 22nd September 2020
Residents and businesses in Staffordshire are being called on to lead the way in following new COVID-19 rules announced today.
Alan White, Staffordshire County Council’s Leader, said everyone must now step up and do everything they can to protect the most vulnerable and keep Staffordshire free from further Government “lockdown” measures.
Alan said:
“We have seen COVID-19 tighten its grip on towns and cities, including some of our neighbours. Both as a county council and as a county as a whole, we need to do everything in our powers to stop the spread of infection here in Staffordshire.
“We pulled together in March to help protect the most vulnerable and now is the time for everyone to show that Staffordshire will do whatever it takes to protect lives and livelihoods.”
The headline measures include:
- People who can work from home, should do so from tomorrow
- From Thursday all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate a table service only. All must close at 10pm
- Face coverings: Extended to retail staff and must be worn in taxis and private hire cars
- COVID-19 restrictions will be law. Fines start at £200
- From Monday, 15 people maximum allowed at weddings/receptions – still 30 people allowed at funerals
- Team sports now limited to a maximum of six indoors
- Plans for large sporting events and conferences to reopen paused
Alan added:
“The Prime Minister has made it clear that restrictions may last six months, and more maybe added if people don’t follow the new guidance and the basics of hand-washing, social distancing, wearing face coverings and following the “rule of six."
“In Staffordshire, we have avoided a county-wide lockdown to date, but let’s be clear that nowhere and nobody is immune from the rising threat of COVID-19.
“While we understand that these restrictions may be difficult for some, we only have to look to Spain or think back to March to realise the potential consequences if we don’t seize this opportunity to turn the tide while we still can.”
Further details about the county council’s role in tackling the virus, together with more information and advice, can be found at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus