Omicron: Impacted firms should contact council
EAST Staffordshire businesses impacted by the Omicron variant of Covid-19 are being encouraged to contact East Staffordshire Borough Council following the announcement of a new grant scheme.
The Government announced this week it is set to introduce a new grant scheme to assist businesses experiencing difficulties as a result of Omicron.
Although the scheme announced on Tuesday is targeted at leisure and hospitality premises, the council will introduce a discretionary scheme to support other business types in East Staffordshire.
The authority is waiting for further guidance from the Government before it can accept applications for financial support. In the meantime, any business based or operating in East Staffordshire experiencing difficultly because of Omicron is encouraged to submit an expression of interest to explain how they have been impacted. This could include businesses that supply the leisure and hospitality sector.
Once the Government has confirmed the criteria, the council will invite eligible businesses to submit a detailed application form.
Councillor Duncan Goodfellow, leader of the council, said: “We recognise the impact Covid-19 has had on local businesses and the emergence of the Omicron variant has created additional uncertainties at such an important time.
“Whilst we wait for Government to confirm the criteria for awarding grants, we are encouraging East Staffordshire businesses to submit a form describing how they have been impacted by the Omicron variant to help determine eligibility and to then be contacted once the schemes are operational.”
To submit an expression of interest please go to https://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/coronavirus/omicron-business-support/expressionof-interest
As Covid cases continue to rise,
Staffordshire County Council is urging people visiting loved ones for Christmas to take a lateral flow test prior to their visit.
Government guidance advises people without symptoms of Covid19 to take a LFT before entering a period of risk, such as meeting people they do not live with or visiting crowded places. Anybody who tests positive or develops symptoms should isolate and book a PCR test.
Dr Johnny Mcmahon, county council cabinet support member for public health and integrated care, said:
“Christmas Day and the festive season traditionally sees families come together and spend time with each other, with many often travelling home from further afield.
“While it’s fantastic that people are able to see friends and family this year, we must still acknowledge the risk of catching or passing Covid onto our loved ones. One of the best ways to avoid this is to take a rapid test prior to your visit to check you’re not unknowingly carrying the virus, particularly if you’ll be visiting somebody who is at higher risk of getting seriously ill from Covid.” People eligible for their Covid-19 vaccine or booster jab are also being urged to take up the offer. The NHS has been ramping up vaccination efforts this month and has announced walk-in clinics for the festive period to allow people to get jabbed during the holidays.
Dr Richard Harling, director for health and care at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Getting your vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from the serious health complications this virus can cause. “Two doses and a booster vaccination has been shown to offer good protection from the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, so I’d urge everybody to use their downtime during the holidays to get whichever jab they are eligible for and get protected.”
Anybody aged 12 and over can get a Covid vaccine and people aged 18 and over who had their second dose at least three months ago can now get a Covid booster vaccine.
Vaccine appointments can be booked via www.nhs.uk/coronavirusvaccine and local walk-in clinic information can be found at www. twbstaffsandstoke.org.uk/ coronavirus.
We recognise the emergence of Omicron has created additional uncertainties.
Councillor Duncan Goodfellow