It appears Covid infections in Hastings are increasing...

I'm not surprised, particularly as legal restrictions were removed by the Government recently, and we more recently experienced the very lively Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival, but the rates of Covid-19 infection in Hastings appear to be rising, from an already higher than the national average figure. As reported by the BBC, based on NHS England figures, for the week ending the 7th of March, the number of people in Hastings recorded as being infected with Covid-19 had risen from the previous week by 198, and was 286 higher than the national average per 100,000 of 465.

So, as we were aware it wouldn't, Covid-19 has not gone away, indeed I've continued to wear a face mask in shops and when travelling on public transport, as I believe it is more with respect to other people's fears, the effectiveness of face coverings preventing the spread of the disease, and I've always regularly washed my hands. Anyway, it's not time to feel completely secure against the pandemic, so stay safe folks!

It will be interesting to see the next week's figures... 

Covid-19 Hospitality & Other New Rules

So, from Thursday last (24th) Government rules regarding pubs, bars and restaurants, and elsewhere, changed significantly from when I first wrote a blog about their guidance regarding Covid-19 and the hospitality sector way back at the beginning of July. Face Coverings must now be worn by all hospitality sector staff, and staff in shops, and, unless sitting at a table, all customers in the hospitality sector must wear a face covering when entering the premises, standing up, going to the lavatory, and leaving premises, indeed, customers may only be served whilst sitting at a table, and pay from the table. Fines on customers can reach up to £3,200, doubling for each offence from an initial fine of £200, and pubs, bars and restaurants will be shut down if not ensuring rules are  met, eg regarding wearing face coverings, social distancing, or allowing more than 6 people be seated together (for more detailed information see the latest rules).

In addition, people visiting hospitality premises must not flit from table to table, or group to group, but must stay at the one table, even if their long-lost Uncle Bob turns up unannounced with another group of customers. From what I've heard so far, only a few people have been forgetting to wear a mask and ignoring other rules, but one would hope they learn quickly if they want to eat and/or drink socially outside of their homes!

And a wee reminder that if you want to drink at the Bier Garden on Hastings Pier, their hours are slightly different until it closes again next Sunday and, subsequently, this is the penultimate weekend that you may enjoy the privilege (see blog).

Have a nice weekend, at least it's stopped raining! 😉

Covid-19 & Face Covering Update

From today, Saturday the 8th of August 2020, more indoor public spaces where face coverings must be worn in law have been added to those I mentioned in a blog I posted in July. The new places include museums, galleries, aquariums, cinemas, funeral homes and places of worship (BBC).

Failure to comply with the law could see culprits fined up to £100, and the Prime Minister has promised more police officers "out and about... more active in their role enforcing these Covid-19 rules." - You have been warned by Johnson!

Hastings Fishermen's Museum Open at Weekends...

I forgot to mention in my blog for the weekend that Hastings Fishermen's Museum, Rock-a-Nore Road, has reopened for a few hours at weekends, ie from 2.00 to 5.00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays (website), plus it is planned that Hastings History House in Courthouse Street will be reopening on 1st August (website).

Visitors to museums in England are being encouraged to wear face coverings (website).

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, at least it should be drier tomorrow 👍