Wiltshire Council issues advice and support to businesses as lockdown is further eased on 12 April

As non-essential retail, outdoor hospitality and personal care premises are set to reopen on 12 April, Wiltshire Council has updated and reissued its guidance for businesses once lockdown is eased.

From this date, as well as non-essential retail and personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons, indoor leisure facilities can reopen for use by people on their own or in household groups. Most outdoor attractions, including outdoor hospitality venues, safari parks and drive-in cinemas can also open once again, while self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets may reopen so long as indoor facilities are not shared with other households.

Hospitality venues, including pubs, bars and restaurants, can serve people outdoors and for table service only from 12 April, and there is no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew.

Public buildings such as community centres can also reopen from 12 April, and several council leisure centres and libraries will reopen from this date. More information on the opening times and specific restrictions at each council-owned site is available on the Wiltshire Council website.

In all cases, social distancing applies, and people must stick to the 'Rule of 6' and not mix indoors with different households.

Businesses can access up-to-date guidance on safely reopening, complete with health advice, downloadable signage and posters, social distancing guidance and checklists to ensure businesses are ready for the reopening.

Terence Herbert, Chief Executive, said: "We know how important 12 April is for Wiltshire businesses, as they look to recover from this difficult lockdown period. That's why we're here to support them with business advice and information available on our website.

"As well as advice and support, we have also paid more than 27,000 grants to Wiltshire businesses, totalling over £138m, and we will continue to distribute more funding through the forthcoming Restart Grants and other funding schemes.

"We also all need to keep in mind that although 12 April is a big day for our businesses, we must all continue to follow the guidance - everyone should continue to keep washing their hands; wear a face covering where appropriate; ensure they are effectively socially distancing; and, where possible, businesses should open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate. We don't want cases to rise once again and to take a step back on the Government's roadmap.

"As we cautiously look forward to a brighter future for our county, it's important to recognise that the community support and togetherness that we have all shown is what is helping Wiltshire to get through this, and we will continue to work with our communities to help us all recover from the pandemic."

Businesses will be able to apply for Restart Grants when applications open in early April. The grants will support high street businesses and are worth up to £6,000 for non-essential retail businesses, and up to £18,000 for hospitality businesses such as personal care, pubs, leisure and hotels.

For information and advice for businesses, people should visit Coronavirus business support; or for more information about grants, people should see Coronavirus business support grants.