Britmask Has it Covered

Whilst the UK’s Coronavirus vaccination programme has allowed a significant easing of restrictions since the COVID-19  pandemic hit Ruddington early in 2020, including the recent removal of temporary ‘Plan B’ rules imposed after fears about the ‘Omicron’ variant, the wish to continue keeping ourselves and others safe has made wearing face coverings in certain public places a ‘new normal’ in our everyday lives. Concerns about the environment have also led many of us to dump disposable face masks in favour of more comfortable, washable alternatives which we can use again and…

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No ‘Freedom Day’ at The Doctors or Dentists

Whilst this Monday is the day when most of the Government’s legally binding COVID-19 restrictions in England will be lifted, businesses and organisations in our village have been weighing up what ‘risks’ they are able or willing to take. If you need to see a doctor or nurse in Ruddington, it seems things will stay very much the same, for now. A statement on behalf of the Church House Surgery on Shaw Street, says: “From the 19th July, Village Health Group will still be asking our patients and staff to: Continue wearing face…

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‘Freedom Day’ in Ruddington

Since the Government confirmed yesterday that Monday 19th July will by the day that all COVID-19 legal restrictions in England will be lifted, businesses and residents in Ruddington have been weighing up what ‘risks’ they will be prepared to take. Whilst Sajid Javid confirmed England will move to ‘Step 4’ – the final stage of ‘unlocking’ its Coronavirus restrictions on this date – he also described July 19th as “the start of a new phase of continued caution” – saying the use of face coverings will still be “expected and recommended…

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Four More Weeks of ‘Step 3’

Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister about England’s ‘road out of lockdown’ brought a mixture of good and bad news for Ruddington’s hospitality businesses. Boris Johnson confirmed, as anticipated, that ‘Step 4’ – which he dubbed “Freedom Day” – will be delayed by a month due to concerns about the continuing spread of the more infectious and vaccine-resistant ‘Delta’ Coronavirus variant in the UK. He said this pause should allow the vaccination of around five million more people before remaining restrictions are lifted. Here in Ruddington, the latest Government data indicates COVID-19 is…

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Indoor Hospitality Reopens

This week’s milestone date of Monday 17th May has been pencilled in our diaries for a few months now – the point promised on the ‘roadmap’ for a further easing of Coronavirus restrictions in England – assuming all went to plan. Hospitality venues in Ruddington preparing to reopen indoors had begun wondering in recent days whether clusters of cases of the new ‘Indian’ COVID-19 variant in other parts of the UK might put a spanner in the works – following fresh warnings from some scientists not to proceed with ‘Step 3’…

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Hospitality Hit Hardest by ‘Return’ to Tier 3

Today’s news that Ruddington will fall back under Tier 3 restrictions when the current ‘lockdown’ ends has not come as a great surprise to residents and traders. However, the Government’s decision to make revised Tier 3 measures even harsher for the hospitality sector has understandably caused dismay among our many village pub, restaurant and cafe owners. From December 2nd they’ll find themselves remaining under the same restrictions as during the current COVID-19 ‘lockdown’, rather than being able to open again if they are serving substantial meals, as previously. So, in line with the…

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Hospitality Takes Another Hit as Ruddington Goes ‘Tier 2’

Ruddington businesses are weighing up the impact of new restrictions which have been set out by the Government today to tackle the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases in Nottinghamshire. If approved by MPs, the changes announced by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, this evening will see a new, three tier system of local Coronavirus alert levels – in which different parts of England will be placed into ‘medium’, ‘high’ and ‘very high’ categories. These proposals will be voted on tomorrow in Parliament before coming into force on Wednesday. Mr Johnson said that further action is required now…

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Ruddington’s Ready for Track and Trace!

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.…

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Bus Company’s Advice on Face Coverings

Whilst the Government says using public transport should still be avoided during COVID-19 Coronavirus ‘social distancing’ restrictions, Nottingham City Transport is advising that passengers making essential journeys may benefit from wearing a face covering. Ruddington’s main bus operator says this may be ‘marginally beneficial’ in some circumstances as a precautionary measure. “The evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you, but it may protect others if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms. This is most relevant for short periods of time indoors, such as small…

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Late May Bank Holiday Buses

With Monday 25th May being another Bank Holiday, Nottingham City Transport is reminding passengers that the continuing COVID-19 ‘lockdown’ means its Green 10 buses should still only be used by key workers to and from our village – or by people needing to use public transport to Ruddington’s shops to buy essential supplies or for medical requirements. The reduced ‘core’ timetable NCT is currently operating will also apply on this date. If you’ll be changing buses onto the Medilink service, the company confirms these buses will also still run on May 25th. However, the operator’s Call…

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