Pub-goers asked to remain cautious ahead of 'Super Saturday'
Cumbria Police and local public officials have asked pub-goers to respect the new guidelines which will be in place when bars and restaurants reopen on Saturday.
Pubs in England have been closed since March to slow the spread of Covid-19. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last Tuesday that they along with bars and restaurants could open again from the 4 July as long as certain restrictions were in place.
Government guidance suggests staff should wear face coverings and take other precautions such as providing hand sanitiser and putting one-way systems in place to keep customers safe.
Venues are also being asked to keep a record of all visitors so the NHS can trace any virus outbreak.
And there will be no more queuing at the bar, all orders should be taken from the table, possibly using smartphone apps.
Some restaurants have introduced digital menus to avoid customers handling a hard copy and you are very likely to see protective screens dividing tables in bars and dining areas.
Loud music and performances are banned so people do not have to raise their voices, which can increase transmission of the virus.
Many premises will have a reduced capacity to allow for social distancing and it is expected that others will require the public to book a slot.
Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Slattery, chairman of Cumbria’s Local Resilience Forum, said: “We understand that many people will want to take advantage of going out to pubs and bars as soon as possible, especially after having been unable to do so for so long.
“Whilst we of course want people to have a good time and enjoy themselves, we must remember that coronavirus is still present in Cumbria. We all need to continue to follow the Government’s guidance to reduce the risk to themselves and others, including social distancing, increased hygiene measures and following the instructions of staff.
“The key advice is to know your limits, plan your day and consider how you will get home safely. Anti-social and criminal behaviour is not acceptable. We are working with partners to maximise safety and cut crime.”
Colin Cox, Cumbria County Council’s director of public health, said, "We must continue to protect ourselves, our communities and the NHS. This means continuing to respect social distancing rules and practising good hand and respiratory hygiene. Where possible, we should continue to stay 2 metres apart or ‘1 metre plus’ additional safety precautions, such as wearing a face covering, when it is not always possible to stay 2 metres apart.
"Remember from next week, lockdown restrictions are also easing for the extremely vulnerable people who have been shielding.
“Many of these people are understandably concerned and anxious about leaving their homes while Covid-19 continues. We all have a duty to keep each other safe; coronavirus is still here but together we can limit its spread and keep people safe and healthy."
Carlisle City Council have also asked people to follow the current safety advice from the government:
Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
Keep within your household or social bubble when socialising. If you are indoors gatherings are limited to members of any two households (or support bubbles), while outdoor gatherings are limited to members of any two households (or support bubbles), or a group of at most six people from any number of households.
Maintain social distancing at all times.
Wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces where social distancing isn’t possible including public transport.
If possible, use hand sanitiser or hand washing facilities when entering premises (to reduce the risk of transmission by touching products while browsing).
Keep contact to a minimum and try to use contactless payments if available.
Some premises will need to limit the number of customers, so you may be asked to queue outside or book a table in advance.
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