Hundreds of businesses in Plymouth have been warned to ensure staff and customers uphold stringent anti-coronavirus measures following an outbreak in the coastal city.
Plymouth’s City Centre Company and Destination Plymouth, which represents waterside businesses, have both sent emails headed “important COVID-19 update” to members following the revelation that 11 city teenagers had tested positive following a holiday to Greece.
The two organisations, which combined have 1,300 members in the city centre and waterfront, have told businesses the risks from the outbreak have been “fairly contained” but have nonetheless warned them of the need to stick rigidly to guidelines.
The email comes after health officials revealed a group of teenagers, aged 18 and 19, had tested positive after holidaying in the Greek island resort of Zante.
As many as 30 had been on the trip, mostly from Plymouth, to a region that is not currently subject to 海角视频 quarantine rules.
Dr Ruth Harrell, Plymouth’s director of public health, said the youngsters had enjoyed “a night out” in city bars and restaurants after returning to the city but before realising they had tested positive.
On top of this, a waterfront business, the Barbican’s Flower Cafe, has closed temporarily after staff potentially came into contact with a virus carrier.
And the city’s BD (Becton Dickinson) factory, which makes sought-after medical equipment, has confirmed four employees, from a workforce of 750, had tested positive.
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The City Centre Company’s email to BID (Business Improvement District) members said: “You may have seen the news yesterday that the city is currently dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19 in Plymouth.
“Having spoken with our colleagues in Public Health we would like to reassure you that the risks from this current outbreak are fairly contained now thanks to the swift work of the track-and -trace programme to identify those who need to self isolate.
“However this recent outbreak does mean that strong messaging is being shared to the public to remind everyone of the importance of adhering to the guidelines in place for everyone's safety and to avoid unknowingly passing on the virus to others.”
It advised businesses that they should continue to adhere to strict measures and said: “Please continue to uphold your current social distancing, track-and-trace and cleanliness measures to the high standards that you have been doing, and view the additional guidance for measures and updated guidance which you may wish to implement,”
It added: “Plymouth's director of public health Dr Ruth Harrell and the leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Tudor Evans, have given a warning that we cannot be complacent about COVID-19.
“The city’s public health team is currently dealing with an outbreak that could involve as many as 30 young people around the ages of 18 and 19, mainly from Plymouth, who have returned from holiday abroad last week. At least 11 have now tested positive for COVID-19. A further separate outbreak in a factory was confirmed earlier this week.
“With the Bank Holiday weekend looming, we are ramping up reminders to the public to stay safe and follow the guidance, reminding them of most important dos and don’ts.
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“To ensure we're limiting risk as much as possible in Plymouth, make sure to regularly review and update your COVID-19 procedures.”
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Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region.
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It advised business to
Review the latest update to the COVID-19 toolkit for the latest advice and guidance on staying COVID-secure.
Maintain social distancing measures for customers, and continue to ask customers to wear masks if appropriate.
Continue to monitor customer details where required for track-and-trace.
Ensure staff wear the correct and appropriate PPE.
Review the guide to safe opening for hints and tips on how to make sure businesses are continuing to operate safely.
See the city council’ website for support and advice for businesses.
The City Centre Company is offering free “social distancing signage”.