This weekend sees a big relaxation in COVID-19 lockdown rules as pubs and other hospitality venues reopen, along with other non-essential businesses, including hairdressers.
But residents are being reminded to be responsible and to stick to the guidelines to stay safe and to help prevent any peak in transmission of the virus which could lead to local lockdown.
All businesses, retailers and venues should follow COVID-secure guidelines set by the government. Places of worship and community centres are also able to reopen if they can do so safely. Some venues and businesses – such as indoor gyms and nightclubs – are still unable to open.
COVID-19 ‘still a risk’
Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health at Birmingham City Council, said: “With non-essential retail already up and running and the hospitality industry preparing to reopen its doors, it feels like things are changing but we must remember Covid-19 is still a risk.
“The virus is still present and is still a threat and we must continue to keep up social distancing, handwashing and wearing a mask when going into smaller buildings in order to keep it under control.
“We have seen elsewhere what happens when social distancing is ignored, and we need to learn from that and avoid a second peak or local lockdown. We don’t want to stop people supporting the economy; we just want them to do it in a safe and secure way.”
From 4 July, people should still maintain a two-metre social distance at all times, wherever possible. The exception to this is in environments such as restaurants and pubs where this cannot be maintained and therefore, will be lowered to one metre plus in conjunction with additional mitigations.
People should still only mix with one other household at a time, with no more than a total of six people when socialising indoors. Outside, more than six people can mix together at once, but should still only be a combination of only two households.
If using public transport, people must wear a face mask or covering and this is also recommended when going into small buildings, and when moving around Birmingham. People are also advised to keep to the left and follow any directional markings.
When visiting hospitality industries or shops, customers should follow local guidance. In pubs, restaurants and cafes this is likely to include using table service, ordering via apps and using contactless payments.
‘Normality comes with responsibility’
Dr Varney added: “Whilst it may feel like life is normal life is returning, it comes with the caveat that normality comes with responsibility. We have all waited a long time for pubs, restaurants and cafes to return and we want to ensure that the doors don’t close as quickly as they have reopened.
“It’s important to balance support for the economy with support for the health of ourselves and others. Coming out of lockdown is a marathon, not a sprint, so please enjoy the weekend whilst remaining mindful of the repercussions.”
‘Enjoy every moment’ but ‘Please don’t waste it all now’
West Midlands Ambulance Service issued some advice for people for the days ahead on social media.
They said: “There will be lots of happy families and reunions tomorrow. Enjoy every moment.
“It’s so important we all stick to the rules though. Our staff have given up so much during the last few months, the NHS has given up so much, YOU have given up so much. Please don’t waste it all now.
“If you’re planning on going out, have fun, but do so safely. Coronavirus is still out there, we all still need to be careful.”
‘Take personal responsibility’
West Midlands Police are also urging people to enjoy the weekend safely.
Chief Superintendent Steve Graham said: “Businesses have suffered financially as a result of the lockdown measures and it’s great to see them being able to reopen this weekend.
“However we need people to take personal responsibility for their actions and behaviour – observe the social distancing measures that will be in place and follow instructions laid out by venues so they are able to operate effectively and stay open.
“Throughout the pandemic we have continued to patrol our towns and city centres and obviously this weekend will continue to put the appropriate resources in place. We will not be ‘policing’ measures in venues, this is the responsibility of licensees but clearly we will be on hand should the need arise.”
‘I urge people to act sensibly’
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson said: “Saturday is set to be a busy day for West Midlands Police.
“Preparations are underway and we are working closely with pubs, to mitigate the threat of disorder. I would urge people to act sensibly on Saturday.”
