Cornish businesses reminded of Tier 3 rules and support amid new year
The Prime Minister has hinted that the country could soon see tougher measures
Businesses in Cornwall are being reminded of the new rules they must adhere to – and the support available – now that the Duchy has been moved into Tier 3.
The Duchy moved into the 'very high alert' of coronavirus restrictions on Boxing Day.
As Covid cases continue to rise across the country, the Labour leader is calling for another national lockdown to be rolled out within the next 24 hours.
Sir Keir Starmer claims rising coronavirus infection rates are now "out of control" - and immediate action is needed. He's accused the Prime Minister of presiding over "chaos".
Boris Johnson suggested earlier that tougher measures could be brought into force in the coming weeks.
Meantime Cornwall Council is urging people to continue to follow the guidelines.
“We know that this has been an incredibly difficult year for businesses and that this latest change will be another blow, but the Government’s decision means that we must abide by the latest rules to tackle the increase in COVID levels in Cornwall.
“There is support available to help businesses that are adversely affected, both from the Council and the Government and we will do all we can to help our hard-working business owners through this latest period of disruption.”
Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for the economy
What does Tier 3 mean for Cornwall?
Hospitality venues, such as pubs, restaurants and cafes must close, except for takeaway, delivery and click-and-collect services.
Accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, holiday lets and guest houses must close. These premises can only open for reasons listed in the Government’s guidance, such as for people who use it as their main residence or need to stay away from home for work.
Entertainment venues such as cinemas, concert halls, indoor play areas, casinos, bowling alleys and bingo halls must close.
Outdoor entertainment venues such as funfairs and outdoor cinemas can remain open, subject to following the relevant guidance.
Indoor attractions at outdoor venues such as zoos, theme parks and stately homes must close. Conference centres and exhibition halls must also close.
Shops, gyms and those offering personal care, such as hairdressers, can stay open.
Business support
Grants will be available for those businesses required to close through the Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme. The grants will be available to those businesses who were previously required to close and must remain closed and to those businesses that are now required to close as a result of the change from Tier 2 to Tier 3, for example hospitality venues such as pubs, restaurants and cafes, accommodation providers and indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, theatres and bowling alleys.
The grants available for businesses required to close are between £667 and £1,500 for every 14 days that the restrictions apply, with the amount determined by the rateable value of the property they occupy. Further information on the Local Restrictions Support Grants for closed businesses can be found on the government website.
Check if you're eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses).
Additional grants will be available for business that are allowed to remain open but whose operation will be severely impacted by the Tier 3 restrictions. The Council will consider and agree a policy to support these businesses next week with a view to making payments as soon possible.
Tim Dwelly said: “We have so far paid out over £16m to 11,239 businesses affected by the second national lockdown and who applied for the Local Restrictions Support Grant. We’ll also be considering how best to use the Additional Restriction Grants funding we have access to.
“Our health and our economy are totally interconnected. Clearly, the faster the vaccination programme is rolled out in Cornwall, the sooner hard-hit hospitality businesses will be able to see light at the end of the tunnel. It is essential people in Cornwall get vaccinated as quickly as any other part of the UK.”
You can find more details of the grants available, the eligibility criteria and how to apply here.
Business advice is also available through the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub website or by phone on 01209 708660.
Advice is also available via businessadvice@cornwall.gov.uk
Employees might be able to get a payment of £500 if they need to self-isolate because of coronavirus and cannot work from home. You can find more information here.
What about shops and town centres?
Cornwall’s high streets remain safely open and are working hard to help protect the safety of their customers and staff.
Shoppers are reminded to follow the safety measures put in place throughout towns and shopping areas and to keep their distance, wash hands often, use free sanitiser stations and wear a face covering when inside shops.
The Reopening High Streets Safely Fund supports the safe reopening of high streets and neighbourhood shopping areas across Cornwall and is part-funded by The European Regional Development Fund.
Community centres and halls, as well as libraries, can remain open. Group events should not take place, unless there’s a specific exemption to the social contact rules, such as support groups, and supervised activities for children.
Recycling and waste centres, car parks and public toilets may continue to stay open.
“COVID cases continue to rise steeply in Cornwall, as they are across the country, and it remains critical that we all follow the rules to help keep our residents safe.
“These are the tightest restrictions that businesses in Cornwall have had placed upon them since the November lockdown and we know that it is hard, but support is there as we keep fighting this battle.”
Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
Residents are reminded of the need to keep washing their hands or use hand sanitiser often, wear a face covering in public places such as shops and on public transport, and to keep two metres apart.
The full rules for Tier 3 are available on the gov.uk website.