Council's ready to help Northampton's businesses stay safe as they come out of lockdown

Local authorities are offering help to local businesses struggling to unravel government guidance as Northampton's town centre continues to get back to business today.

Tattoo parlours, nail bars, tanning booths and beauty salons are among those that can reopen today for the first time in nearly four months.

But Northampton Borough Council is warning premises must be safe for customers and staff and follow government guidelines.

Cllr Anna King, Cabinet member for community safety and engagement, said: “It’s great news for those who have been waiting to get back out there and access these services, though there are some limitations.

“These latest businesses to reopen are all likely to require appointments, which should help them manage social distancing effectively.

“Businesses are still prohibited from providing facial treatments such as make-up, facials, eyebrow or eyelash treatments. Treatments to the body can be carried out if those providing them follow the Government’s safety guidance."

Last weekend's easing of lockdown measures allowed pubs, restaurants and hairdressers to open their doors for the first time since March.

Hairdressers and barbers have already adapted to the 'new normal' with measures such as wearing face visors and recording customer contact details to support the Government’s Test and Trace initiative.

More businesses looking to reopen can find the government’s full guidance HEREand the full safety advice HEREor contact Northampton Borough Council’s Environmental Health Team at [email protected]

Mark Mullen, Northampton town centre BID Operations Manager, said: “It is great news that another sector of Northampton’s businesses are able to re-open again.

“The BID are able to continue their support by providing Business Covid-19 Recovery Starter Packs to all of our levy paying businesses. These include floor graphics, tape, posters and hand sanitiser.

“They are available upon request by emailing [email protected] with your name, contact number, business name and email address. Please also contact the email address above to ensure that your details are contained within the BID business directories online.”

A county GP last week urged everybody to wear face coverings while in enclosed spaces. such as shops.

Dr Joanne Watt warned: “Wearing face coverings is an essential part of the new normal that we now must all adapt to."

But the Government is being urged to clarify its plans after Prime Minister Boris Johnson hinted that wearing face coverings could become mandatory — as it is already is on public transport and in hospitals.

Cabinet minister Michael Gove then played down the possibility, saying he did not think masks should become law.