Coronavirus (COVID-19) Bulletin for Employers & Businesses - 19.01.22
NEW: Prime Minister announces England will move back to Plan A measures from next Thursday UPDATE: Coventry City Council: Omicron Hospitality & Leisure Grant UPDATE: Coventry City Council: ARG Funding: Round 5 UPDATE: Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council: Business Support Grants UPDATE: Rugby Borough Council: Business Support Grants UPDATE: Warwick District Council: Business Support Grants UPDATE: Stratford-on-Avon District Council: Business Support Grants
NEW: Prime Minister announces England will move back to Plan A measures from next Thursday The Prime Minister has announced in PMQ's that Plan B measures in England will come to an end by next Thursday with many current measures being eased as we move back to Plan A
Today's Key Announcements
Boris Johnson has announced that Plan B COVID restrictions in England will be eased from next Thursday
Working from home guidance will end and people will no longer be asked to wear masks in any setting, although people are advised to continue wearing face masks in crowded, indoor settings
The compulsory use of COVID passes at certain events will also end even although venues can still use them if they wish
From 20 January, face masks will no longer be required in any classrooms
People who test positive for Covid will still have to self-isolate but there will "soon be a time" when this is not required, the PM says
The UK recorded 438 deaths yesterday - the highest daily number since February - and 94,432 cases
However, the head of the WHO meanwhile warns the global pandemic "is nowhere near over"
UPDATE: Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant Shortly before Christmas the Government announced additional support for businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors that were being impacted by the rapid spread of the Omicron strain of Coronavirus. Local Authorities are asked to distribute this grant on behalf of Government. Find out more and see if your business is eligible here
UPDATE: Additional Restriction Grant (ARG) Funding: Round 5 In response to the rise of the COVID19 Omicron variant, the Government has provided ARG top-up funds to support businesses affected by the Omicron variant. ARG Round 5 will support businesses in the Hospitality, Events, Leisure and Tourism (HELT) and Personal Care (e.g. gyms, hair & beauty) sector only that have been severely impacted by the rise of the Omicron variant. The ARG scheme is aimed at those HELT Coventry businesses that do not qualify for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant and have been negatively financially impacted in the form of loss of income, trade, or business opportunities.
In all cases, the Government require an application form to be submitted. The grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis with the window open for 10 working days from Monday 17th January 2022 until Friday 28th January 2022; or until funds have been allocated – whichever comes sooner. Find out more and see if your business is eligible here
UPDATE: Business support grants from Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council
If you need any advice or support available to your business because of Coronavirus, please contact the Chamber on the details below: 024 7665 4321 info@cw-chamber.co.uk www.cw-chamber.co.uk
Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce
is proud to work with the following Business Influence Partners