Following an increase in coronavirus cases in Luton, senior leaders and public health figures from the council have met with central government officials and agreed that gyms, pools, and other leisure facilities will not reopen as planned on 25 July.

Other local measures being taken include:
  • further increasing testing capacity across the town (details will be available shortly)
  • Keeping play areas closed
  • increased enforcement against businesses that are not compliant with guidelines or that fail to show they are Covid-19 safe
  • new guidance from the council’s Director of Public Health that people should not make social visits to other people’s homes

The council continues to urge residents to follow these guidelines:
  • stay at home as much as possible
  • if meeting up with others, do so outside
  • don’t meet in large groups – people should not gather outside in groups greater than six individuals (unless they are from the same household)
  • keep a 2 metre distance from people outside of your household at all times
  • wash your hands regularly
  • wear a face covering in all enclosed public spaces where it is difficult to keep 2 metres apart
  • book at test at nhs.uk/coronavirus and self-isolate if you have any symptoms, however mild

The effectiveness of these measures will be continuously monitored and further steps may have to be taken if necessary.
Face masks are now mandatory

Wearing a face covering or face mask is now mandatory in shops, supermarkets, banks and takeaways.
 
This new law will provide people with additional protection when they are not able to keep 2 metres from others, particularly those they do not normally come into contact with.
 
People who do not wear a face covering will face a fine of up to £100, with the exemption of children under 11 and those with certain disabilities.
 
The liability for wearing a face covering lies with the individual.
 
Should an individual without an exemption refuse to wear a face covering, your business can refuse them entry and call the police. If people refuse to comply, the police have the formal enforcement powers and can issue a fine.

Where do I have to wear a face covering?
No person may, without reasonable excuse, enter or remain within a shops, supermarkets, banks and takeaways without wearing a face covering.

Definition of a face covering:
A ‘face covering’ means a covering of any type which covers a person’s nose and mouth.

Relevant places where face coverings must be worn include, but are not limited to:
  • a shop (exemptions apply)
  • enclosed shopping centres, excluding any area in that building which is open to the public and where seating or tables are made available for the consumption of food and drink
  • banks and building societies
  • post offices
  • enclosed transport hubs

Relevant places do not include:
  • restaurants with table service, including restaurants and dining rooms in hotels or members’ clubs
  • bars, including bars in hotels or members’ clubs
  • public houses

The requirement to wear a face covering does not apply to certain people including:
  • a child under the age of 11 years
  • a person responsible for a relevant place or an employee of that person acting in the course of their employment
  • persons providing services in the relevant place
  • an emergency responder (other than a constable) acting in their capacity as an emergency responder
  • a constable or PCSO acting in the course of their duty

These guidelines are not exhaustive. For full overview of the new law please visit the official government website HERE.
Luton BID Face Covering Posters

Luton BID is distributing face covering posters to BID-levy paying businesses to display in windows or prevalent places. 

If you have not yet received a poster and would like one please email info@lutonbid.org.

Business Support Guide

Our comprehensive coronavirus Business Support Guide has been updated to reflect the new phase of guidance as announced by the Government.

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Luton BID is project managed by Partnerships for Better Business Ltd


Luton BID 01582 510657   info@lutonbid.org
www.lutonbid.org

Luton BID is project managed by Partnerships for Better Business Ltd (pfbb UK)