This is how York is preparing to reopen the city safely
York has two priorities as it emerges from lockdown – the safety of residents and the economic recovery of the city.
Today (Thursday) City of York Council revealed how it is planning to balance those two requirements.
It says public health guidance “will play a key role in all decisions made for the future of the city and the council focus is on protecting residents against the immediate threat of coronavirus”.
And lessons will be learned from last summer’s reopening – when the city enjoyed a large number of visitors and relatively low number of cases.
Extra measures introduced in the city will include:
- The installation of temporary public toilets in the city centre
- Extending the Covid Support Marshalls programme until the end of June
- Submitting planning applications required for temporary managed outdoor spaces.
Free business advice
Leader of the council Keith Aspden said: “We are working with businesses and organisations across the city to make sure that when the time comes, residents have the confidence to enjoy our city centre safely.
“The health and wellbeing of residents and businesses is our immediate focus, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to our beautiful city once restrictions are lifted.
“We know that York has a lot to offer, and our amazing range of independent businesses are working hard to ensure that their customers can look forward to safe services at their next visit.”
Director of Public Health Sharon Stoltz said: “Whilst many people will be looking forward to the easing of restrictions we must all remember that Covid-19 remains a part of our lives.
“We are working closely with the Public Health England Behavioural science team to iteratively improve how we can keep residents, staff and visitors safe.”
A free webinar for businesses, Reopening the city with behavioural insight, is being run by the Public Health England Behavioural Science & Insights Unit on 25 March.
The online event will help businesses safely manage outside space and better understand how to keep their consumers and staff safe by prompting Covid-safe behaviours.
You can register here.