The warning comes after instances in other parts of the country where establishments were closed down either because they were linked to an outbreak of Covid-19 or not operating in a Covid-secure manner.
All pubs, bars and restaurants are reminded they must:
- record all customers’ details so that NHS Test and Trace can contact them in the event of an outbreak
- ensure customers only socialise in groups of up to 2 households (including support bubbles) indoors, or in groups of no more than 6 people from different households outdoors
- ensure staff and customers are able to practice regular handwashing and good hygiene
- notify the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Public Health team by emailing healthprotection@wolverhampton.gov.uk and Public Health England by calling 0344 225 3560 and choosing option 0 and then option 2 if 2 or more members of staff test positive for Covid-19
Any business found to be operating dangerously could be closed down using powers given to local councils under the Coronavirus Act 2020. Businesses which would like support with interpreting the latest guidance should contact the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Trade With Confidence team on 01902 552079 or via tradewithconfidence.food@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "It is the responsibility of every business and employer to take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of Covid-19 and keep their customers safe.
“For pubs, bars and restaurants, that means ensuring they are complying with their existing licensing conditions as well as the new guidance brought in to allow licensed premises to reopen safely.
"In particular, businesses are required to capture customers' contact details for NHS Test and Trace; it's really important that they are doing this, whether this is when customers book a table or when they arrive at the pub or restaurant. I would also urge all customers to ensure they provide their contact details either when booking or on arrival; in doing so, they will be protecting themselves, their family and the wider community.
"All businesses in Wolverhampton need to act responsibly to limit the spread of Covid-19. The vast majority are doing an incredible job in the most difficult of circumstances and I would like to thank them for their continuing efforts which will help us to avoid a local lockdown.
“However, if we do find premises aren’t operating safely we can close them down in conjunction with the police. We have yet to use these powers and we really hope that businesses will continue to follow Government guidance on keeping customers and staff safe."
Information and advice to help businesses operate in a Covid-secure manner is available at GOV.UK.
Symptoms of Covid-19 include a fever, a new, continuous cough and loss or change to a person’s sense of taste and smell. People with symptoms, no matter how mild, should immediately self isolate and book a test by visiting Coronavirus (COVID-19) or calling 119.
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will be asked to share information about people that have been close contacts recently.
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe, Be Kind.
