Public Health director appeals to Hemel businesses to play their part in the fight against COVID-19

Hertfordshire County Council’s director of Public Health has written to businesses in the county to encourage them to do everything they can to support the fight against COVID-19.

In the letter, Jim McManus states: “Thank you for everything you are doing to help keep Hertfordshire safe.

"We’re not through this yet though, so I am writing to you to ask that you play your part by putting the right controls in place to protect your workforce, customers and visitors from COVID-19.”

The letter has the support of Hertfordshire Better Business for All, a partnership that works to make it easier for businesses to access the regulatory support they need from local authorities.

Hertfordshire’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Prevention, Tim Hutchings, said: “We know that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing a lot of stress for local businesses and we want to support them as much as possible.

“We’re aware that some may be concerned about the impact on them if their staff have to self-isolate or if someone linked to their business receives a positive result for COVID-19 so the letter outlines several sources of support to help them navigate this difficult situation.

“We cannot stress strongly enough how important it is for businesses to play their part and act responsibly, by allowing their staff to isolate if they have symptoms and encouraging them to contact the NHS Test and Trace service to book a test.

“The sooner cases are detected, the sooner we can prevent the virus from spreading; we’re all in this together, so let’s act together to fight this virus.”

Everyone can play their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by following four simple actions:

- wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more

- keep your distance and stay 2m apart where possible (or 1m plus other measures such as wearing a face covering)

- wear a face covering where required and in enclosed places where it is hard to distance

- if you develop symptoms start self-isolating immediately and book a test.

Anyone with symptoms should get tested immediately.

Booking and taking a test is quick and simple with sites available widely across the county and you will often get your results in less than 24 hours.

You can see where your nearest testing centre is and book a site or a home test at www.gov.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 between 7am and 11pm if you do not have access to the internet. If you have hearing or speech difficulties, please call 18001 0300 303 2713.

If you are contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service, you should isolate immediately and follow instructions.

For more information, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/coronavirus while for resources for businesses, go to Covid19 Trading Safely Toolkit.