Stay safe this Bank Holiday

Date issued: 26 August 2020

Colchester Borough Council is committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone in the borough and avoiding a local outbreak of coronavirus. With this in mind, and the August Bank Holiday fast approaching, the council is urging everyone to stay alert, behave responsibly and have a safe Bank Holiday weekend.

Residents, visitors and businesses are all being encouraged to follow the Government’s current guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus, which include:

• Following social distancing of two-metres wherever you can
• Staying at home and getting a free test if you have any symptoms of coronavirus – a persistent cough, high temperature or loss of taste or smell
• Self-isolate if anyone in your household has symptoms
• Washing your hands regularly
• Wearing a face covering over your nose and mouth in specific indoor settings, if applicable

The current guidance on staying safe outside your home can be found on the .GOV.UK website.

In addition to following the guidelines, the public is being reminded that tougher fines to crack down on illegal gatherings are being brought in ahead of the Bank Holiday. From Friday 28 August, it will be a criminal offence to facilitate or organise illegal raves, unlicensed music events or any other unlawful gathering of 30+ people, and may result in a £10,000 fine. Further information about this can be found on the .GOV.UK website.

Anyone planning a visit to Colchester Castle or Leisure World Colchester this weekend is being reminded that they will need to book in advance. All of the council’s car parks will also be open as usual and motorists are encouraged to make contactless payments using MiPermit where possible.

Councillor Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “It’s important that we all continue to work together to protect one another from this deadly virus. As it’s the last weekend before the schools go back and a Bank Holiday, we know people will be keen to make the most of the long weekend. Whatever your plans, please continue to follow the guidelines to keep everyone safe.

“We have already seen local outbreaks elsewhere in the country, where lockdowns have been introduced to reduce and control Covid-19 outbreaks. If we all continue to follow the latest Government guidance, it’s unlikely we would need to implement a local lockdown anywhere in the borough.

“I’m sure residents and businesses will be reassured to know that we and our partners continue to regularly monitor the local situation and have an agreed plan in place should we experience any local outbreaks, but this is a deadly virus and preventing the spread has to be our focus and priority at the moment.”

Councillor Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, added: “Protecting the health and wellbeing of the borough is crucial and to make sure that happens, we must all follow the guidelines. It’s so important that we don’t undermine all the fantastic efforts and progress we have made in preventing the spread of coronavirus in Colchester so far.”

Colchester Borough Council has been working closely with Essex County Council and Public Health England to make sure that local plans are in place should there be a local outbreak of Covid-19 cases in the borough.

Keep up to date with the latest news at www.colchester.gov.uk/coronavirus  

Stay Alert | Control the Virus | Save Lives