COVID Restrictions Being Reintroduced.

So very soon after my last blog, in which I shared my concern for the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in Hastings, the Prime Minister yesterday warned us that some restrictions are being introduced this week to help combat the rise nationally, and to help prevent the spread of a new variant, Omicron (BBC). 

These will be announced later today by the Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, I believe, but we have been forewarned by the Prime Minister that measures will include, in law again, having to wear face coverings in shops and on public transport; unlike the PM, something many of us have continued because, well, because it's showing respect to our fellow beings. Also, PCR tests will be reintroduced for everyone coming back into the country, and a red list of countries will be reintroduced too, including for those countries in southern Africa where Omicron appears to be spreading quickly. Oh yes, and Christmas will be "considerably better" than in 2020, hmmm...

So watch/listen out for the Health Secretary's announcements, and stay safe!

Step 2 begins...

As I suggested in my last blog, Step 2, or Step 3 if you can add up, of the Government's master plan to returning to normal following the COVID-19 Crisis begins today, with Hastings back among the least hit areas again, thankfully, currently with just 3 incidences; approximately 15% of the national average rate per 100,000. 

I am replicating below changes from today; source the BBC website:

'More businesses will open, but indoor settings should be visited alone, or with household groups. Outside, six people or two households can meet.

• All shops allowed to open
• Hairdressers, beauty salons and other close-contact services can open
• Restaurants and pubs allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors
• Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres
• Members of the same household can take a holiday in England in self-contained accommodation
• Non-essential journeys between England and Wales are allowed
• Weddings - up to 15 people
• Funerals - up to 30 people, with 15 at wakes
• Children will be able to attend any indoor children's activity
• Care home visitors will increase to two per resident
• Driving lessons can resume, with driving tests restarting on 22 April'

Whatever you get up to please do remember there still is a pandemic, so don't forget to continue washing your hands regularly, maintain social distancing, and wear a face covering where required in law and to respect others, stay safe folks!