Ipswich businesses need "industrial-scale" vaccine programme to survive pandemic
Ipswich's Business Improvement District is calling for the vaccine roll-out to be ramped-up
As the third national lockdown is underway, Ipswich's Business Improvement District (BID) thinks an "industrial-scale" roll out of the vaccine is needed for firms to survive.
Under lockdown rules, all non-essential shops must remain closed and hospitality businesses can only operate a takeaway or delivery service.
It means the majority of shops in high streets across the country remain closed, with fears some will stay that way.
The Government announced £4.6 billion in lockdown grants on Tuesday 5th January to support businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.
It includes one-off "top up" grants of £9,000 per business and a £594 million discretionary fund to support other impacted firms.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: "This will help businesses to get through the months ahead – and crucially it will help sustain jobs, so workers can be ready to return when they are able to reopen."
However, Chief Executive of Ipswich Central, Paul Clement, thinks businesses need better long term support to plan for the future.
That includes a ramped-up roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine: "We've got a vaccination process, it's got to be on an industrial scale.
"Use vacant shops, vacant pubs, vacant cafes. No matter what you do, vaccinate as quickly as you possibly can."
He said that is a major factor in ensuring more businesses in Ipswich, and across the country, will survive the pandemic.
Businesses are currently at their most vulnerable due to the disruption in the lead up to Christmas, which would usually be their strongest period, into the first quarter of the year, which is normally the worst.
Mr Clement thinks the Government needs to offer a more "sensible and compensatory" grant funding scheme to help business get through lockdown without trade.
He said: "We've got to think of this less in terms of the odd week closed, and more what do businesses need for the next quarter.
"The Government has got to give businesses reassurance and certainty of a plan. This is not a week-by-week thing for businesses, they don't operate like that.
"They need certainty."
What you can and can't do during the current lockdown
Can I leave the house?
People will only be allowed to leave their house for limited reasons, including shopping for essentials, work or education, exercise, and to seek medical assistance.
Mr Johnson said residents can leave their homes for shopping for necessities such as food and medicine, but only as infrequently as possible.
Are schools open?
Schools are closed to most pupils, except the children of key workers and those who are vulnerable. Teaching will continue remotely online.
Do I have to go into work?
People will be able to go to work if it is impossible to work from home, such as those working in the construction sector or who are critical workers. All others must work from home. Cleaners and other trades people will still be able to work in people's homes. Those shielding should not go to work
They are advised not to go to work even if they cannot work from home.
Are support bubbles still allowed?
Support bubbles are still allowed. This is when two households link up, effectively forming one household. Only certain people are allowed to form support bubbles, including adults living alone and single adults living with children. More information forming support bubbles can be found here.
Can I go shopping?
All non-essential shops, hairdressers and personal care venues must close. Essential shops, including food stores and supermarkets, will remain open.
Can weddings and funerals go ahead?
Weddings and funerals can go ahead with strict restrictions on the number in attendance. Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people, while commemorative events such as wakes can be attended by 6 people. Weddings and civil partnerships can only take place with 6 attendees under exceptional circumstances, such as an urgent marriage where one person is terminally ill.
What's happening with universities?
Students studying courses which require formative training, such as medicine, dentistry, education, veterinary science and social work, will return to face-to-face teaching as normal. Students studying other courses should, where possible, remain where they are and start their term remotely with online learning.
Are restaurants and pubs closed?
All cafes, pubs and restaurants should close. Restaurants and other hospitality venues can continue delivery or takeaway services, but people will not be able to add alcohol to that order.
I want to exercise, are gyms open and sports allowed?
Gyms and leisure facilities must close. Exercise outside will be allowed – preferably limited to once a day – with members of your household or support bubble or one other person from another household, such as going for a walk or run. Exercise should be taken locally.
Can I go to church or other places of worship?
Places of worship can remain open for individual prayers and communal worship, but people should only visit with their household or support bubble and maintain social distancing throughout.
What about childcare?
All primary and secondary schools as well as colleges will move to remote learning, but early years settings such as nurseries and childminders can remain open, and existing childcare bubbles will be allowed to stay in place.
Can I play sport?
Outdoor gyms, tennis courts and golf courses must close, and outdoor team sports will not be permitted. Organised outdoor sport for disabled people can continue.
Premier League and other elite sports that already have in place strict testing regimes and their own bubbles will be allowed to continue.
Can I still move house?
Yes, people can still move house. Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to operate. You can still attend property viewings.