Coronavirus (COVID-19)

We’ll keep you updated with the latest news as the coronavirus outbreak evolves here in the UK as of December 2021.

Latest News

Read the latest news about COVID-19.

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COVID-19 ADDITIONAL RELIEF FUND 2021-2022

6/07/2022 - The COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) has reopened for a second round of applications. Applications to the relief fund must be made by 31 July 2022.

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BRISTOL BUSINESS SUPPORT AND #BUSINESSBOOSTER

21/12/21 - We sent a letter to the Prime Minister and Chancellor urging them to act immediately with guidance and support for our businesses. Additionally, we called on the government to deliver a #BusinessBooster and support hospitality, retail and leisure businesses.

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RE-OPENING HANDBOOK FOR THE HOSPITALITY & LEISURE INDUSTRY

13/07/2021 - Useful information from NTIA (Night Time Industries Association) ahead of the move to step 4 of the roadmap out of lockdown from 19 July

Open handbook

NATIONAL LOCKDOWN: STAY AT HOME

05/01/21 - The Prime Minister has announced a national lockdown for the UK, advising that everyone must stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives. New rules have been introduced and should be followed immediately.

New rules

BRISTOL IS PLACED IN TIER 3

26/11/20 - Bristol has been placed in Tier 3 and so the restrictions which apply to businesses within the Bristol City Centre BID area

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BUSINESSES TO REOPEN ON THE 2ND DECEMBER

20/11/21 The recently released COVID-19 winter plan includes detail on the reopening of businesses, the tier system and the following: The route back to normality; Controlling the virus; Protecting the NHS and the vulnerable; Keeping education and the economy going

Winter plan

BUSINESSES ORDERED TO CLOSE

05/11/20 - The Government has ordered the following businesses and venues to close. The full list of venues that must close/can remain open can be found on pages 29-32 of the regulations.

Full list

UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR WORKING SAFELY DURING COVID-19

04/11/20 - As of the 4 November, government guidance for working safely through the pandemic in the following sectors has been updated.

More guidance

SECOND LOCKDOWN ANNOUNCED

31/10/20 - From Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December, the UK government have introduced tougher restrictions.

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GOVERNMENT TO COVER 22% OF WORKER PAY FOR SIX MONTHS

24/09/20 - From 1st November the Government are introducing a new Job Support Scheme to protect viable jobs in businesses who are facing lower demand over the winter months due to coronavirus.

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TEST & TRACE

24/09/20 - The new NHS COVID-19 app is now available to download for free and is the fastest way to see if you or your business are at risk from coronavirus. Businesses are required to have NHS QR code posters visible on entry so customers can safely check-in.

Create poster

FURTHER NATIONAL MEASURES ANNOUNCED

22/09/20 - The Government has introduced further measures to address rising cases of COVID-19 in England. The measures are effective from 24 September

Further measures

THE RULE OF SIX

11/09/20 - The Rule of Six principle is that businesses operating in accordance with current COVID-19 secure guidance will be able to continue doing as they are , provided that individual groups of customers obey the Rule of Six.

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THE GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RECOVERY STRATEGY

26/05/20 - The Government has released a roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis. The roadmap will be kept under constant review as the situation evolves here in the UK.

read roadmap

PRIME MINISTER SETS OUT TIMELINE FOR RETAIL TO REOPEN

25/05/20 - Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across the UK are set to reopen in June once they are “COVID-19 secure” and can show safety for customers.

Press release

REGULATORY STATUS OF PPE

06/04/20 - The different regulations that apply to devices and equipment, including hand gels and PPE (personal protective equipment), have been outlined to ensure everyone’s safety.

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CORONAVIRUS PRESS CONFERENCE SLIDES

30/03/12 - Press conference slides and datasets used by Sir Patrick Vallance, to accompany the coronavirus press conference that took place on 30 March 2020.

Slides & datasets

PM ANNOUNCES STRICT LOCKDOWN FOR THE UK

23/03/20 - Boris Johnson has announced a UK lockdown, saying people can only shop for basic necessities and limit exercise to one form a day. People must also restrict travel only to and from work if it’s essential.

UK Lockdown

NATIONAL CRIME AGENCY WARNING

22/03/20 - The National Crime Agency (NCA) has warned that organised crime groups may try to exploit the coronavirus outbreak to target the UK.

NCA Warning

GOVERNMENT SETS OUT PLANS TO ENFORCE CLOSURE OF BUSINESSES AND OTHER VENUES

22/03/20 - Guidance issued states that the local government will be responsible for enforcing regulations requiring businesses asked to close on 20 March 2020.

Closure plans

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES FURTHER MEASURES ON SOCIAL DISTANCING

20/03/20 - o limit the spread of coronavirus, measures to close entertainment, hospitality and indoor leisure premises across the country will take place from the end of trading hours on Friday 20 March.

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AVON AND SOMERSET POLICE RESPOND TO THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

19/03/20 - Avon and Somerset Police respond to COVID-19 to reassure the public that they’re taking all necessary steps to maintain critical functions.

Police response

GOVERNMENT TO GRANT PERMISSION FOR PUBS AND RESTAURANTS TO OPERATE AS TAKEAWAYS

17/03/20 - The Government will relax planning rules to allow pubs and restaurants to operate as hot food takeaways during the coronavirus outbreak.

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GRANT FUNDING & LOAN SCHEMES

Stay informed with useful links to ongoing advice related to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

See All Grant Funding & Loan Schemes

Business Rates

  • 03/06/20 - RAISE THE BAR CAMPAIGN UPDATE

  • UPDATED 02/04/20 - BUSINESS RATES: GUIDANCE

  • 01/04/20 - £22 BILLION GRANTS AND BUS. RATES

  • 17/03/20 - BUDGET 2020: NEW RATE DISCOUNTS

TENANTS & LANDLORDS

March 2020: COVID-19 advice for accommodation providers and a new ban on evictions for commercial tenants

The Government has released advice for businesses providing accommodation to take the necessary steps to close as quickly as possible, whilst following social distancing guidelines. Read more to find guidance for families in temporary accommodation, for hostels serving food and for residents showing COVD-19 symptoms.

There is also now extra protection for businesses as commercial tenants who cannot pay their rent because of COVID-19 will be protected from eviction. Aiming to help businesses struggling with their cash flow due to worries around eviction, the measure supports the current conversations between landlords and tenants around voluntary rental payment arrangements.

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EMPLOYMENT & FINANCES

  • 02/04/20 - EXTEND THE DEADLINE FOR FILING YOU

  • 27/03/20 - CARRYING OVER ANNUAL LEAVE RULES T

  • 26/03/20 - DEFERRAL OF VAT PAYMENTS

Webinars

Our series of free webinars will provide guidance for businesses in the City Centre BID area during this unprecedented crisis.

See All Webinars

LEARNING PORTAL

  • HM GOVERNMENT SKILLS TOOLKIT

  • BARCLAYS DIGITAL CONFIDENCE LIFESKILLS

  • LLOYDS BANK ACADEMY

  • BRISTOL MIND YOUTUBE CHANNEL

  • GOOGLE DIGITAL GARAGE

  • PEARSON UK LEARNS

USEFUL LINKS

HEALTH & WELLBEING

PREPARE YOUR WORKPLACE READY FOR COVID-19

This is a useful document from the World Health Organization.

BRC GUIDANCE ON SOCIAL DISTANCING

BRC-USDAW Recommended implementation practices for non-food retail stores.

30-MINUTE, ONE-TO-ONE SESSIONS WITH BRISTOL CHAPLAINCY

Bristol Chaplaincy provides a range of services to listen to you and help you take positive steps forward.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION HUBS

OFFICIAL UK GOVERNMENT WEBSITE

Find out the number of cases and risk level in the UK, what to do if you have symptoms, and what the government is doing about the virus.

ABI - CORONAVIRUS Q&A

The Asociation of British Insurers have created a useful Q&A on how different insurance policies are affected by coronavirus, including travel insurance, business insurance, income protection, trade credit insurance and more.

ADVICE FROM THE FEDERATION OF SELF EMPLOYED & SMALL BUSINESSES (FSB)

Advice and guidance on reducing the risks from the COVID-19 virus to you and your business including the latest news, what the Government has announced, help available, business rates, further actions and more.

TRADING THROUGH CORONAVIRUS

Business West’s hub providing guidance and support on coronavirus (COVID-19) for businesses, employers and employees in the South West of England. What’s included: – Support for businesses – Critical information – Quick links – Latest Government announcements