COVID-19 UPDATES, INFORMATION AND SUPPORT LINKS TO HELP BUSINESSES

Updates

  • Latest updates on COVID-19 in Dorset –In line with the national picture, infection rates have started to fall slightly across Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Infections remain at very high levels, meaning your chances of catching COVID-19 remain high and we urge everyone to continue to exercise caution by following the public health measures.

    The number of people in hospital in Dorset with COVID-19 has continued to increase due to the high infection rates we have seen over the past few weeks. The number currently stands at 94, compared to 74 a week ago. However, hospitalisations remain significantly lower than in previous waves of the pandemic – around the same time last year, Dorset hospitals were treating around 550 COVID-19 patients. The vaccine is protecting people from serious illness, so please take up the offer if you haven’t done so already.

Latest updates on COVID-19 in Dorset – Public Health Dorset

  • Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant

On 21 December 2021 the government announced a new grant to support businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors that are experiencing hardship due to the rise of the Omicron variant.

We are pleased to confirm that all the relevant information and guidance regarding eligibility for businesses will be available on the business support page on 10 January 2022.

Eligible businesses will need to make a new application for this grant. Applications open on 11 January 2022.

  • Moving to Plan B – what’s changing

    You must wear a face covering in most indoor public places, at large venues and events, and on public transport.

    From 13 December, you should work from home if you can.

    From 15 December you’ll need to show your NHS COVID Pass at nightclubs, some venues and large events to show you’re fully vaccinated, have had a negative test result in the last 48 hours, or you have an exemption.

  • Self-isolation to end for double jabbed adults – From Monday 16 August, adults who have had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and children will no longer be legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case. Instead of self-isolating, those who are exempt should get a free PCR test as soon as possible – Read more about the changes

 

      • Find coronavirus financial support for your business Use this business Government support finder to see what support is available for you and your business. Available to employers and the self-employed, including sole traders and limited company directors. You may be eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants, whether your business is open or closed. Start now

      Key COVID-19 Advice and Updates from Dorset Council

      Resources for your business:  Coronavirus hub – a regularly updated information portal for all government updates, FAQs and other relevant information.

       

       

      Dorset Chamber of Commerce: 

      We know there are huge concerns regarding the potential impact of Coronavirus and we’re doing all we can to support the business community through these challenging times.

      C-19 Business Support Service 1:1 support for Dorset businesses and charities during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Immediate and ongoing expert mentor support to navigate your challenges with up to 3 months free of charge (and 90% subsidised thereafter). Open to all micro, small and medium size businesses on a confidential basis.

       

      EXTERNAL RESOURCES:

       GOV.UK    Guidance COVID-19: support for businesses

      The Business Support Helpline number in England FREEPHONE 0800 998 1098. The helpline provides free, impartial       business support and signposting services to businesses in England – which currently includes business advice on Covid-19.

         https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support

           These government.uk guides below cover a range of different types of work.

      HEALTH SAFETY EXECUTIVE

      Downloadable posters for the workplace Public Health England have lots of resources to download including posters for the workplace. You can find posters, social media posts, banners and more using the link below for: -Handwashing and hygiene -Symptoms -Shopping -Travelling to work -At work See all of the resources available on the Public Health England website.

      WORKING IN CONSTRUCTION AND OUTDOOR WORK

      WORKING IN FACTORIES,PLANTS AND WAREHOUSES 

      WORKING IN OTHER PEOPLE’S HOMES

      LABS AND RESEARCH FACILITIES

      OFFICES AND CONTACT CENTRES

      RESTAURANTS OFFERING TAKEAWAY OR DELIVERY

      SHOPS AND BRANCHES

      VEHICLES

      • Government information and guidance about working safely in vehicles

      TEST AND TRACE

      NHS Test and Trace service to form a central part of the government’s coronavirus recovery strategy. Anyone with symptoms will be tested and their close contacts will be traced. New guidance means those who have been in close contact with someone who tests positive must isolate for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms, to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus. Test and Trace guidance for workplaces can be found here.

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