As new government Coronavirus restrictions begin today – in a bid to prevent a major second wave of COVID-19 infections – village businesses owners say they’re all set for the new rules aimed at keeping their customers safe.
These extra laws are especially relevant to Ruddington’s pubs, cafés, bars and restaurants which must now close by 10pm. Not only that, those serving alcohol will also be restricted to providing table service only – whilst, for all hospitality venues, face masks will be compulsory for bar staff, waiters and non-seated customers. All village shop workers must now mask up, too. You can view the government’s full list of what has changed >>HERE<<.
Additionally, today (Thursday 24th September) sees the launch of the long-awaited NHS COVID-19 ‘Test and Trace’ app.* Using contact tracing, not only does this app detect and log other nearby app users but also enables all users to ‘check in’ when they visit a venue by scanning a QR code displayed on posters at the entrance. Both features then inform the user via an alert if someone they have come in to contact with later tests positive for Coronavirus. At least, that’s the theory!
From now on, when you’re out and about in Ruddington, please be sure to look out for the QR code posters to scan as you enter premises. Joy from Philo’s Espresso Bar & Eatery, Julie from The Black Cat Café and Alex from The Bottle Top are pictured pointing out theirs above – whilst more examples from our village are shown below. Venues can now be fined up to £10,000 if they do not take customers’ contact details, accept reservations of more than six people or do not enforce social distancing. So please co-operate to help them, yourself and others stay within the law – and be sure to fill out a paper ‘Test and Trace’ form if you don’t have the app.
The NHS COVID-19 ‘Test and Trace’ app also allows people to report symptoms and order a coronavirus test, as well as helping the NHS trace individuals that may have coronavirus.
Jonathan Gribbin, Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire, says: “To play your part in stopping the spread, I am asking everyone to download and use the new NHS COVID-19 app*. Along with the Test and Trace Service it will play a major part in tracking and preventing the spread of COVID-19.”
He adds: “With coronavirus cases rising in the UK in the last few weeks it is essential everyone capitalise on the benefits the app can bring to help protect themselves and those around them.”
In addition, the new app is designed to help the NHS understand if the virus is spreading in a particular area. So, if there was to be an outbreak in Ruddington, it would enable local authorities to respond quickly to stop it spreading further and ultimately help save lives.
The sixty second government information video about it is below:-
For villagers worried about an invasion of personal privacy, it assures us the app does all this whilst still protecting a user’s anonymity. It is claimed nobody, including the government, will know who or where a particular user is.
*You can download the NHS COVID-19 ‘Test and Trace’ app now from:
- APPLE APP STORE: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1520427663
- GOOGLE PLAY STORE: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.nhs.covid19.production
