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Public health chief urges residents to support economy safely

Derbyshire's Director of Public Health is urging residents to support the local economy safely as outdoor hospitality, non-essential shops and other venues re-open from Monday (12 April).

The Prime Minister announced earlier this week that Stage 2 of the government’s roadmap out of Covid-19 is on track and the planned lifting of some restrictions can go ahead.

Dean Wallace, who is leading Derbyshire’s response to the pandemic, is urging people to enjoy their new freedoms safely and reminding them that some restrictions still apply.

“It is great news that parts of Derbyshire’s economy can re-open and we can all enjoy a return to some of the things we’ve missed over these past few months.

“I know everyone, myself included, will be keen to support our local economy now that things are reopening but we must continue to be cautious and ensure we do it safely.

“Outdoor gatherings must be limited to six people or two households with social distancing and indoor settings should only be visited alone or with members of your household.

“You must not socialise indoors with anyone outside your household or support bubble and of course you should continue to stay apart, wash your hands regularly and wear a mask where required, unless exempt,” he said.

The lockdown restrictions which are being eased

From Monday, outdoor hospitality, non-essential shops, close contact services such as barbers, hairdressers and beauty salons and indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and spas can re-open.

Other changes to restrictions include:

• Overnight stays are allowed in self-contained accommodation in England but only by members of the same household or support bubble

• Outdoor settings and attractions can reopen including zoos, theme parks, drive-in cinemas and drive-in performance events

• Hospitality venues can serve outdoors with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcohol and no curfew. The requirement to eat and drink while seated will remain

• People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise journeys

• Funerals can continue with up to 30 attendees. Weddings, outdoor receptions and wakes can take place with up to 15 attendees (in premises that are permitted to open)

For full details of what is allowed from April 12 visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

Libraries to reopen 

In Derbyshire, libraries will also be welcoming people back through the doors from Monday for limited browsing and pre-booked computer sessions.

Borrowers won’t need an appointment but each library has only so much space, so visit times may be limited to 15 minutes. Book and Borrow, the Home Library Service and library digital services will be available as usual.

Derbyshire Record Office will open its doors on Tuesday 13 April, operating a limited service by appointment only. Buxton Museum will welcome visitors back from Tuesday 18 May.

Mr Wallace also urged people to get tested twice a week at home using the free, rapid coronavirus tests now available to everyone to stop the spread of the virus. For details visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/hometestkits.

He added: “Together with the vaccine rollout, community testing and quickly tracing contacts of people who’ve tested positive are all part of our armoury against this deadly disease, which hasn’t gone away.

“People can help in the fight against coronavirus by making sure everyone in their party registers their details when they visit venues to support local businesses and make it safer for everyone.”

New regulations introduced by the government make it mandatory for everyone over the age of 16 to register their details when they visit a venue by scanning the NHS QR code using the Covid-19 app or providing their name and contact details.

Venues must take reasonable steps to refuse entry to anyone who refuses to leave their details and failure to do so could result in fixed penalty fines of up to £1,000.

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