Norwich is open for Christmas

Many of the city’s businesses have reopened their doors, putting in place a number of measures to make sure they are Covid-secure and ready to trade. The council’s Covid-19 support team will be out in the city centre to help and advise people and businesses on the new guidance – and they have been boosted by the addition of six trained security personnel, who will be supporting the night time economy.

Council leader, Alan Waters, said: “It’s been a difficult time, but I would like to thank everyone who has made sacrifices to protect Norwich.

“As we reopen in Tier 2, we are subject to a greater level of restrictions – so please check the guidance about what you can and cannot do.

“We’d like to welcome back those businesses that had to close and encourage people to come and support them, while staying safe.”

There are different grants available to local businesses which have been affected by the ongoing effects of the pandemic. For more information and to check if you are eligible, visit the business support pages of the council website.

Signage is up across the city, asking shoppers to make space between themselves and others, wear a face covering where needed and keep washing or sanitising their hands. The council would also like to remind people coming into the city that being in Tier 2 means they can only meet indoors with members of their household or support bubble – and this includes shops, bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes.

For anyone who forgets to bring their face covering into the city with them, Norwich City Council’s Covid-19 support officers will be handing out free masks from their stall at the back of the market (137). They will also be on hand to help and support people and make sure everyone is keeping a safe distance from each other.  

Councillor Waters said: “Our Covid-19 support team is there to keep everyone safe in the city at what is traditionally a busy time.

“They are not there to spoil anyone’s fun but to help us all enjoy some kind of normality in the run-up to Christmas.

“Please do approach them if you are unsure about anything.”

This week, the city council also released a star-studded video thanking all the key workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and welcoming people back into the city.

Film stars Olivia Colman, Stephen Fry, Steve Coogan and Chris Rankin are joined by broadcasters Jake Humphrey and Nina Nannar and Norwich City stars past and present Darren Huckerby, Alex Tettey and Xavi Quintilla in the video which replaces a Christmas lights switch-on event this year.

You can watch the video and find out more about how to stay safe in the city this Christmas on Norwich City Council’s social media channels - www.facebook.com/NorwichCityCouncil or @NorwichCC on Twitter or Norwich City Council on Instagram.