Council writes to more than a thousand local businesses to remind them of key COVID-19 advice
Businesses across Swindon will receive a letter from the Council’s Director of Public Health reminding them of the key role they must continue to play to keep COVID-19 at bay.
Published: Wednesday, 9th December 2020
More than 1,200 businesses, including supermarkets, distribution centres and hairdressers, will receive the letter which outlines the important measures they need to continue to follow now the national lockdown restrictions have been lifted.
The letter from Swindon’s Director of Public Health, Steve Maddern, contains details of what to do if an employee in a workplace has symptoms of or tests positive for COVID-19 to ensure the correct processes are being followed. Reminders to discourage employees from car sharing are also included as well as links to further sources of information and advice.
The Council continues to support local businesses through the pandemic, offering support and guidance with COVID-19 cases and outbreaks.
Financial support is also being administered in the form of government grants for eligible firms, with over £30.5m being processed since March 2020. Self-isolation payments are also available for residents who are from low-income households who are required to self-isolate but are unable to work from home.
Steve Maddern, Swindon Borough Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Making sure workplaces are COVID-secure is a key part of managing the transmission of coronavirus in our community. We need to all make sure we’re continuing to follow the guidelines whether we’re at work, at the shops or simply at home.
“It’s up to all of us to look after one another and follow the guidance to minimise the spread of COVID-19. If any businesses or residents are unsure of what they need to be doing, please head to our website to find out more: www.swindon.gov.uk/coronavirus.”
Councillor Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “It’s so important that we don’t become complacent, especially in the run-up to the festive period.
“We must ensure we all continue to follow the guidance, particularly the basics of hand washing, covering your face and making space. Helping businesses to continue implementing the correct measures and keep workforces safe is just one of the ways we are working alongside our partners to control the spread of COVID-19 in our town.”