Council steps up support for businesses to curb spread of the virus
01 October 2020
Officers from Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Environmental Health Department have stepped up efforts to remind businesses across the Council area of the PHA guidance on social distancing, the wearing of face coverings and the provision of hand sanitisers at their premises. Officers have increased their presence across the Council area offering advice and assistance to local businesses in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.
Derry City and Strabane District Council have also teamed up with key statutory and business stakeholders across the city in calling for compliance to new restrictions by urging people across the Council area to do all they can to curb the spread of the Corona Virus in the region.
The Derry City and Strabane District Council area continues to record an alarming increase in positive tests and the public have been advised to do all they can to act responsibly at this critical juncture.
Council has been reinforcing the Public Health Authority’s messaging to remind the public to adhere to social distancing, wash hands regularly and wear face coverings when required and to do all they can to reduce their social interactions. It has been working closely with its neighbours in Donegal to share information and last Friday issued a joint statement and video from the two Mayor’s appealing to the people across the entire North West to adhere to the guidelines and to take the small steps necessary to prevent any further spread of the virus.
Staff from the Council’s Environmental Health teams are also carrying out inspections of businesses to ensure compliance of Covid 19 Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work procedures and have been actively encouraging businesses to get updated information on the Council’s COVID19 section of the website at https://www.derrystrabane.com/Subsites/Health-Community-Wellbeing
Seamus Donaghy, Head of Health and Community Wellbeing at Derry City and Strabane District Council said the Council had an important role to play in helping to reinforce the Public Health messaging and were continuing to work closely with all Government departments, the health authorities, other Councils and stakeholders in a joined up collaborative way.
He said Council was of the view that by working together the public can overcome the latest obstacle that we face in terms of the increasing number of cases. “We all need to take responsibility to prevent the spread of the virus and we all have a role to play. Its important that we know what those responsibilities are and you take the appropriate action. If you are intending on shopping then you must wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing – and if you are a business owner you must follow the guidelines in place to keep your staff and customers safe. By taking responsibility and acting appropriately we can get through this.”
He added that in addition to having guidance for businesses from within the tourism and hospitality sectors, it also has information to assist other businesses including, hairdressing, barbershops, beauty, nail bars, tanning studios, community centres, retail businesses, takeaways and off licences, offices, banks and building societies, garden centres, car dealers, non-retail businesses, golf clubs etc. All this information is available at: https://www.derrystrabane.com/Subsites/Health-Community-Wellbeing/Covid-19