Gillian Keegan

At the start of this week we took another cautious step towards the new normal with nonessential shops able to reopen their doors, providing they meet robust safety guidelines. I know that some of these measures, like the two-metre rule, are frustrating especially for those with small shops. However, these will relax over time, as and when the scientific advice allows. The Government is constantly reviewing the measures in place and the rate of infection (R). So the more of us that continue to wash our hands thoroughly, keep socially distant and follow the rules, the lower the R-number will be and the greater the freedoms we will enjoy.

Personally, I am looking forward to getting back to the shops. My refillable chilli oil bottle from Taste, in Drapers Yard, has been empty for a while so I going to take it in for a much-needed top-up. Many of the shops in Chichester have supported people by offering home deliveries, including Taste, and I want to thank all the fantastic local businesses who stepped up to help people, and those that still are as many remain unable to leave home for medical reasons.

When I do head into Chichester, I am definitely going to grab one of Turner’s Pies’ famous pasties. I know we very much value our wonderful city and variety of stores and they will need our support to survive these unprecedented times.

If like me you’ve missed your favourite shop but aren’t sure it’s open yet, Chichester BID has pulled together a directory of when all our shops are opening in the city so make sure you take a look on their website before you visit: www.chichesterbid.co.uk

This week has also seen the return of our FE colleges, something I am overseeing as the minister responsible at the Department for Education. I am hugely proud of the whole FE sector which has put in place a range of measures to keep staff and students safe. Of course, the return is being taken one step at a time, and colleges have flexibility in how they bring back face to face learning – which for some courses is vital, and for others less so, where a higher percentage of the course can be done remotely.

I know all of us want to return to normal. The Government is planning even greater relaxation within the hospitality industry and in public spaces which will reopen in July at the earliest – but only if we keep the R-rate below one. Wash your hands, keep your distance and we can be back in our wonderful pubs, cafes and restaurants in a few weeks.

Lastly, I wanted to remind you all that the Save Spirit FM petition still needs your support. Momentum is everything in these campaigns so if you want to save our local radio station and haven’t yet added your name then please go online and show your support: www. change.org/p/bauer-media-save-spiritfm