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!

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!

Seafront Roadworks now over and other news...

The roadworks that were announced to last for 13 weeks (blog) have, indeed, done so, and the seafront is back to normal today (above), well, as normal as it can be these days, although the pedestrian crossing isn't working again yet, not that it's needed!*

* I have since read (overnight 05/06 April, many thanks Rod) that the update to the gas supply hadn't been finished in the 13 weeks, so expect more disruption later in the year.

Fewer people about whilst I was out for my daily permitted exercise earlier, perhaps more people will emerge to ensure their daily Vitamin D requirement is reached (NHS).

I also noticed that parking at Priory Meadow is free at the moment, which, I presume, is for the few shops still open there, M&S Foodhall, Grape Tree, Post Office/Smiths  and Boots indoors, and Poundland and Superdrug; although there's not much else to do in the town centre... 

Whilst talking about town centre shops, the Sainsbury's Local is still opening at 08.00, whilst Tesco Express is now opening at 10.00, although this morning (Sunday) they appear to have a 'technical problem' and there is a notice that it is closed until solved; definitely open again on Monday 6th April, I just shopped there.

Despite there not being much to do in the town centre these days, the 6-8 usual gregarious 'social drinkers' appear to be very happy congregating there. No 'social distancing' for them it appears...

Finally, has anyone received the 'letter to the nation' concerning Coronavirus that our Prime Minister said he would send to you a week ago? Despite the cost being estimated at nearly £6 million, I still haven't received it yet either! However, this website tells you what it says, if you want to read it, although he provides no new information.

Well, that's the latest news from me, be careful folks!