Advice

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Advice - Updated 21 December 2021

The best way to keep up to date with what VisitWiltshire is doing during this time and other industry relevant news, is through our regular e-newsletters. You can see the latest newsletter, released 10 December 2021.

As standard, businesses and visitors alike should follow all current government guidance to minimise the spread of the virus and protect the safety and welfare of vulnerable individuals. 

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Latest Government Support

On 21 December, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced that the government will make available an additional £1billion of support for businesses who have been impacted by the Omicron variant. 

• Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England will be eligible for one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises, plus more than £100 million discretionary funding will be made available for local authorities to support other businesses
• Government will also cover the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for Covid-related absences for small and medium-sized employers across the UK
• £30 million further funding will be made available through the Culture Recovery Fund, enabling more cultural organisations in England to apply for support during the winter

Find out more

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VisitEngland 'We're Good To Go' Industry Standard

The ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard and supporting mark means businesses across the sector can demonstrate that they are adhering to the respective Government and public health guidance, have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and check they have the required processes in place. The scheme is free to join and open to all businesses across the sector. 

Businesses just need to complete a self-assessment through our online platform including a check-list confirming they have put the necessary processes in place.

An ‘alert’ system has also been set up to ensure that businesses signed up to the ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard are notified if there are changes to the official guidance.

Alongside the industry standard, VisitEngland have launched a ‘Know Before You Go’ public information campaign to reassure visitors as restrictions are lifted, on what it is safe to do and when, and sign-posting to information before travelling. You can take part in the campaign and download a free toolkit. For full details visit the website.

As part of the campaign we have created some Wiltshire specific banners. You’re more than welcome to use these banners on your web pages or social media or web pages. Banner 1. Banner 2. You can see some great examples from Rollestone Manor here and here. 

The AA scheme is also now live and can be accessed here https://www.ratedtrips.com/aa-covid-confident. This is not another set of Guidelines This also an online, free COVID Certification Scheme.

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VisitBritain COVID-19 - Latest Information & Guidance for tourism businesses

VisitBritain/VisitEngland have set up a page dedicated to the latest support available, from funding to looking after employees at this difficult time
It is reviewed and updated regularly.  

The Government office have set up website to ensure you have up to date access to COVID-19 business support and which hosts all the details of the schemes the Chancellor has announced. 

https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/

A new ‘support finder’ tool has been launched to help businesses and self-employed people across the UK to determine what financial support is available to them during the COVID-19 pandemic.