Following the Government’s appeal on Friday to a range of businesses to close their doors during the coronavirus outbreak, to help reduce the opportunities for disease transmission, legislation is expected this week making it an offence to contravene this advice.

The requirements apply to a long list of businesses including restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs, cinemas and theatres, nightclubs, bingo halls, museums and galleries, betting shops, spas and massage parlours, indoor fitness studios, gyms, swimming pools and other indoor leisure centres.

In the meantime, Pembrokeshire County Council is asking local businesses to abide by the request prior to the emergency legislation coming into force.

This action is urgently required in order to minimise disease transmission and the consequent impacts on our health system and other essential services.

Following on from the Council’s press release last week:

https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/newsroom/support-your-local-businesses some food businesses may instead be able to offer food to take away or for delivery and this continues to be encouraged.

However, where businesses elect to offer these services, it is essential that they take steps to avoid customers queuing or congregating while service is awaited or after making their purchase, as this will result in further social contacts which it is crucial to avoid.

Anyone aware of businesses operating in direct contravention of these requirements are urged to contact the Authority so that action be taken as appropriate.

On a wider basis, concerns have been expressed nationally about the influx of tourists being seen in rural areas, with increasing occupancy of second homes, caravan and camping sites and similar, possibly while households comply with self-isolation requirements or in observation of advice around social distancing.

This can place additional pressure on rural communities and services that are already at risk.  Businesses are therefore urged not to promote such opportunities at this time and members of the public should observe the advice to limit travel to essential purposes only and remain at their primary residence so far as possible.

This same message is being urged by the British Holiday and Home Parks Association to their members.