The government has today (26 March 2020) made new public health regulations strengthening police enforcement powers in England, to reduce the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives. To ensure people stay at home and avoid non-essential travel, from today, if members of the public do not comply the police may: instruct them to go home, leave an area or disperse ensure parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking these rules issue a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days issue a fixed penalty notice of £120 for second time offenders, doubling on each further repeat offence Individuals who do not pay a fixed penalty notice under the regulations could be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines. If an individual continues to refuse to comply, they will be acting unlawfully, and the police may arrest them where deemed proportionate and necessary. However, in the first instance the police will always apply their common sense and discretion. Home Secretary Priti Patel said: The Prime Minister has been clear on what we need to do: stay at home to protect our NHS and save lives. All our frontline services really are the best of us and are doing an incredible job to stop this terrible virus from spreading. That’s why I’m giving the police these new enforcement powers, to protect the public and keep people safe. In addition to the new powers, a package of support has been unveiled to boost police resources. Around 1,500 additional police officers have already joined forces across England and Wales since September 2019 as a result of the police recruitment campaign. Today, the government is leading by example and will ensure that existing Civil Servants who are already volunteering as Special Constables are able to assist in the national effort to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, in recognition of their value and expertise and in order to increase capacity and resilience, the government has committed to relaxing tax and pensions rules which could deter officers nearing retirement and those recently retired from returning to serve. The government is also speaking to the Security Industry Authority about what more they can do to encourage the private security sector to support the national response. The Home Office has been working with police and fire services to understand their requirements for Personal Protective Equipment over the coming months. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has confirmed that police currently have a good supply and they are overseeing distribution to forces but the government will continue to work with them to ensure that emergency service workers can get the equipment they need, when they need it, in order to carry out their jobs safely. Individuals will only be allowed to leave their home for the following very limited purposes: shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible one form of exercise a day - for example, a run, walk or cycle - alone or with members of their household any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person travelling to and from work, but only where they cannot work from home Participating in gatherings of more than two people in public spaces is also not permitted except in very limited circumstances, for example, where it is for essential work purposes. Stay at Home and save lives Stay at home Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home) Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people Wash your hands as soon as you get home You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.

Businesses in Leicester which are struggling due to loss of trade caused by the coronavirus pandemic will be able to access a package of financial help totalling £85million. The Government formally announced the Small Business Grant funding, and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure grant on Wednesday, April 1 – the highest amount in the East Midlands and one of the 10 highest city allocations in the UK. Leicester City Council, which is responsible for allocating the money to eligible businesses, will contact an estimated 6,000 firms across the city to ensure they get the help they need. Upgraded payment systems are being put into place to ensure that money can be allocated safely and correctly, and an online application form will ensure the process of applying is as straightforward and quick as possible. The application process is due to go live from early next week. Businesses across the spectrum have closed their doors in recent weeks due to restrictions on non-essential services and travel imposed by the Government in a bid to slow the spread of the global coronavirus pandemic. Responsibility has been handed over to local councils across the UK to organise the distribution of the funding to help hard-hit businesses to survive the current crisis. Smaller businesses who get business rate relief can expect to apply for £10,000, while businesses in larger properties could get a grant of £25,000 in line with the Government’s grants criteria. Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Businesses everywhere are facing extremely difficult times because of the impact of coronavirus, and this £85million will help provide a lifeline to many of those in this unprecedented period of uncertainty. “Local authorities have been given the responsibility of working with eligible businesses in their area, to ensure the money is made available where needed. “Obviously this is a considerable amount of money which needs to be allocated safely and to avoid the risk of fraud, and we have been upgrading our payment systems to ensure the payments can be made as quickly as possible and to ensure anyone who is entitled to this help can get it. “For many firms it may mean the difference between their businesses surviving or not.” The Small Business Grant and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant funding are part of a wider package of help and support being made available to businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire who are concerned about their future. Business should also be aware of the Business Gateway Growth Hub – the service that integrates national and local business support to make it easier for businesses to access the help and advice they need. The growth hub is run by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Ltd (LLEP). The Business Gateway website is being updated daily to give employers details of how to apply for financial help, business support and help for self-employed people. The pages bring together the most relevant national Government information with the guidance and advice of various teams working across the city centre and beyond, focusing on retail, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, service and other sectors. Kevin Harris, chair of the LLEP Board of Directors, added: “The coronavirus crisis continues to be an extraordinary test of the resilience of the business community. Here in Leicester and Leicestershire, the vast majority of our economy is made up of small and medium-sized enterprises, which have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. “The LLEP is committed to standing by our businesses and ensuring that all those eligible have the ability to access grant funding through our local authorities. “I would urge all businesses to trust that help is coming, and that everyone involved in the administration of the grants are working extremely hard to expedite funding to businesses.” Leicester City Council is working with the LLEP – a partnership involving the city, county and district councils and local business leaders – to coordinate a citywide information service and has a steadily-growing team of advisers already liaising with businesses, who can all be accessed via the Business Gateway Growth Hub. The Business Gateway Growth Hub has made a wide range of help and advice available online, and has been working with small local businesses concerned about their future. Information including up to date news on what help packages are being made available both on a national and local level, to businesses struggling with the impact on their trade and staff is being made available. Find out more about applying for a Small Business Grant or Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant here Up-to-date information on help for businesses is available from the Business Gateway website here at: www.bizgateway.org.uk Leicester City Council News - Published on Thursday, April 2, 2020

Leicester's annual Riverside Festival will not take place this year, as the coronavirus crisis looks set to continue beyond the spring. With uncertainty over how long stringent social distancing measures will be required, the city council has taken the decision to cancel the two-day festival, which was due to take place in June. It is now contacting the dozens of stall-holders, boat operators, performers and artists who were due to take part to let them know that the 2020 festival will not now take place. Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair said: “Cancelling one of the city’s most popular summer events was not an easy decision to take, but with so much uncertainty about how the coronavirus situation will pan out, we really had no choice. “It’s obviously very disappointing, but it’s important to stress that this isn’t the end of the Riverside Festival. All being well, the festival will be back – bigger and better – in 2021. “The only thing that’s important now is that we all do our bit to slow the spread of the coronavirus by following the Government’s guidance and staying at home.” Leicester’s first Riverside Festival back in 1997 was a simple Sunday afternoon event on the banks of the River Soar. Over the past 20 years or so, the festival has blossomed into a packed weekend featuring live music, local artists, tasty street food and lots of family fun on the water. A provisional date for the 2021 Riverside Festival has already been set. Next year’s festival is due to run on Saturday 5 June and Sunday 6 June. Take a look at last Years Event Video by LM News

People in Leicester will see no changes to their household waste and recycling collections over Easter. Bins and orange bags will be collected as normal – even on Good Friday (Friday 10 April). Residents are asked to place their bins and orange bags outside their homes by 7am on their usual collection day. Scheduled garden waste collections will take place as normal on Easter Monday (Monday 13 April) too. Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke said: “We’re working closely with our contractor Biffa to keep waste and recycling services running as usual during these very unusual times. “Thanks to our hard-working refuse and recycling crews, our collections are currently unaffected by the coronavirus outbreak – but please be aware that we may need to make changes at short notice as this difficult situation continues. “Any changes to your bin collection, or to any city council service, will be posted on our website, so please go there for all the latest information.” The city council is encouraging residents to recycle as much of their Easter waste as possible by using their orange bags or communal recycling bins. Cardboard boxes from Easter eggs, as well as any plastic packaging, can be recycled – as can any foil wrappings. Foil should be scrunched into a ball and placed in orange bags for recycling. A full list of all the items that can be recycled in Leicester is available here People are also reminded that Leicester’s two recycling centres are closed until further notice, so items such as electronic goods or DIY materials should be kept at home until the sites re-open. Large cardboard boxes can be flattened and placed underneath orange bags for recycling. Up-to-date information about all city council services affected by the coronavirus is posted on www.leicester.gov.uk/serviceupdates Information about waste and recycling is also available on Facebook (search for ‘orange bag recycling service’). Leicester City Council News Release.

On the first anniversary of the release of a short film about a boy who was groomed online and murdered, the warning messages it contains seem now more important than ever. Breck’s Last Game tells the story of 14-year-old Breck Bednar, who was killed by a man he met on a gaming site and since its launch a year ago today (3 April) has been seen by more than three million people. With schools closed as part of the response to tackle Covid-19 and people spending most of their time indoors, young people will have an added temptation to spend longer periods of time online. Given the current restrictions, the film’s important message is even more relevant - do you really know who your online friends are? Deputy Chief Constable Rob Nixon, said : “During this global pandemic, it is inevitable that children and young people will spend more time online, both as part of their schooling but also as a way to relax – possibly using online gaming platforms. “This can be a lifeline for some teenagers and a great way for them to stay in touch with their friends but unfortunately there will be a small number of people who will use this time to try and exploit them and it’s crucial we don’t lose sight of that. “Groomers will use these online platforms as a way to get access to groups of young people and will attempt to take advantage. “We are not suggesting people do not access these services but Breck’s Last Game encourages anyone who is to think about if they really know who it is they are speaking to. “Many young people and their parents may have seen the film both in school and online. If you haven’t I would encourage you to and if you have, now might be a good time to be reminded of the important messages it contains. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep children and young people safe.” Breck’s Last Game was the result of a collaborations between four police forces – Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Essex and Surrey. It was initially rolled out in secondary schools in the four force areas before being released to the public in April 2019. In the first year it is estimated to have reached nearly 3.4 million people online and has been seen by thousands of children in schools. It has also won three awards and is being used as a resource in Australia after the forces were approached by the Australian Federal Police. Breck mother, Lorin LaFave, was also involved in the making of the film and appears as herself in the film. She too uses the film to educate people as part of her work with the Breck Foundation. She said: “It’s a year since Breck’s Last Game was publically released but it seems much longer than a year ago to me as so much has happened in our world since then. “With children now being off school and limited in their outside activities, the natural progression might be that they spend more time online socialising and gaming with friends and inevitably for some, strangers. “Some of these strangers will be trying to groom and exploit our children, to possibly encourage them to do things that could be harmful to them, so now more than ever, we need to educate young people in an engaging and empowering way using Breck’s story, so that they recognise signs of grooming, know where to go for help, remember that friends online are not the same as school friends and to think though our tagline, #DoYouReallyKnowYourOnlineFriends ? "In these trying times, don’t let a predator build a relationship with your child online, education is key.” For more information about the film or for advice and support, visit the Breck’s Last Game information page.

The Prime Minister has announced a series of new measures as part of the government’s response to the Coronavirus. The latest advice is available here. Responding to these, Martin Hewitt, the chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: "Measures to ensure social distancing have so far not had the necessary effect. These new measures are sensible, based on scientific evidence and give people clarity on the exact steps they must take to stop the rapid transmission of this disease. "The majority of people are already making real sacrifices to save lives and we urge everyone to follow the advice that is designed to keep us all safe. "We are working with the government and other agencies to consider how these new rules can be most effectively enforced." Stay at home Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home) If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times Wash your hands as soon as you get home Do not meet others, even friends or family. You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms. Press release issued by Leicestershire Police 1st April 2020

While the country is practicing social distancing by staying at home within their family units, being at home isn’t a haven for some people. For victims of domestic abuse, being in the house with their partner for days on end is a very daunting prospect, leaving them concerned for their safety. During this time of uncertainly and instability, the force will be responding to calls to service for domestic abuse incidents as usual, aware of the extra risk to those who are already vulnerable. And it might be that being cooped up, with extra worries and pressure – health concerns, financial worries, the threat of a job loss and concerns over child access – means more people are finding themselves as victims of domestic abuse for the first time. Know this: we are here for you. Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Batchelor, the force lead for domestic abuse, said: “With the current situation, we are acutely aware of the risks of being in the same house as an abuser for long amounts of time. “Our advice remains the same: call us, always using 999 in an emergency. An officer will attend and access the situation – gathering evidence, identifying the offence and arresting a suspected perpetrator. Victims are often controlled by their abuser, and support is available throughout the investigation process. Officers will complete a risk assessment with victims and will discuss how to safeguard you and your family with you. Referrals can be made and information given about the different organisations there to help victims of abuse – UAVA, a Leicestershire-based service with a helpline is just one. DCI Batchelor added: “These are unprecedented times; never have we seen such measures from the Government around staying at home. “While it is of course necessary to fight the spread of coronavirus, it of course puts some people in a very vulnerable positon. “We are here to help, always call 999 in an emergency. There are ways we can help without you having to speak – using the Silent Solution and a 55 silent call. “For help and support, the UAVA helpline is invaluable, with people on the end of the phone to offer advice and help during this uncertain time.” UAVA helpline – 0808 802 0028, open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm http://www.uava.org.uk/

In light of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, officers from all forces throughout the Great Britain and Northern Ireland have been granted dispersal powers in order to help ensure everyone adheres to the social distancing guidance laid out by the Government and Public Health England. The powers have been granted under the Health Regulations 2020 and came into force on Thursday 26 March). So what does this mean for you – the general public? The legisation states that officers in Leicestershire will be able to disperse groups of more than two people from any public place. Groups of more than two people – who live in the same household – are permitted Anyone who refuses to disperse will be given a fixed penalty notice of £60. This will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days Second time offenders will be issued with a £120 fixed penalty notice. This will then double on each further repeat offence. Anyone who does not pay a fixed penalty notice under the new regulations could be taken to court. Magistrates will then be able to impose unlimited fines Anyone who refuses to comply will be acting unlawfully. This may result in being arrested, where it is deemed proportionate and necessary. However, the first instance, police will always apply their common sense and discretion. Officers from across the force will be working to ensure that people are complying with the law. Over the coming days and weeks, we remain committed to community policing within our neighbourhoods. Our preferred style is to engage, explain and encourage – and then enforce only when needed. Our officers will engage, explain and encouragemembers of the public in situations where we believe they may not be complying with the new legislation – and this may include interactions in public places and in vehicles. Working with our partners, we will provide a proportionate response to public concerns around groups or businesses that may be contravening the legislation and we will identify any areas of continual public concern. In such areas, a policing presence will be a priority. In situations where encouragement does not succeed, officers will enforce the legislation outlined above. “First and foremost, these new measures are in place to saves lives and protect our loved ones,” explains Assistant Chief Constable Julia Debenham. “We will be helping to enforce the terms of the regulations, as the public would want us to. Our advice very much remains the same – and echoes that of both the Government and healthcare professionals. Stay at home and help us overcome the outbreak.” Does the law mean that anyone who is out, in a group of more than two people, will be fined? “Absolutely not,” says ACC Debenham. “I believe – as do our officers – that the best way to engage with the public is to communicate. This is how we aim to resolve issues. We want to listen to the queries, concerns and thoughts of the public and do our best to help. “If you are out in public, in a group of more than two people, officers will ask that you separate. The current advice is to ensure that we distance ourselves from one another to prevent the virus from spreading. “Asking people to disperse is in no way different from our existing powers. When we’re policing the night-time economy in particular, if there’s a report of disorder we will ask people to move on. If you don’t, then you run the risk of being given a fine. “The powers are the same, it’s only the circumstances that have changed.” Although the law only came into force today, officers have been following Government guidance around social distancing and reminding people of the advice given. ACC Debenham says: “We are receiving calls from the public to reports of gatherings – as well as non-essential businesses remaining open – and our officers are responding accordingly. However I would like to ask the public to take notice of the guidance and adhere to social distancing to try and reduce such reports. “We’re also receiving a number of calls about what you can and can’t do. Again, please use common sense. Guidance states that you should stay at home and only go out for essential shopping, if you have medical needs or if it’s necessary for you to travel to and from work. The Government and Public Health England have stated you can leave your property for one form of exercise a day. “As a force, our message remains clear – stay at home, save lives.” Source of information : Leicestershire Police

To all in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, Today the police have been given new powers to help keep people safe. As your Chief Constable I would like to make a pledge to you. In return, I ask for your support. Every day and night my officers and staff go above and beyond to protect our communities. Every officer at Leicestershire Police knows this as our duty - to protect the people and deal with those who cause harm. We do this by engaging with our communities, explaining and problem solving, and enforcing the law through action when we must. In this force’s 180 year history we have never faced a challenge like this. I pledge that my officers will continue to exercise our duty, as we have always done. We will protect you. We will engage positively. We will explain. We will be there when you need help - and we will take action to protect you and others from harm. I ask for your support in this. Help us to help you. Stay at home and together we will save lives. Coronavirus (Covid-19): We're asking you please to only call 999 if it is an emergency and 101 if it is urgent. If you can, use our online services. If you’re looking for information about the government instruction to stay at home and how that may affect you, you'll find guidance on Gov.uk We’ll be updating information on our services over the coming days, please check online for those updates. NHS advice about coronavirus External Link Information about the police enforcement powers put in place to reduce the spread of the virus

Voluntary Action Leicestershire Teams up with Local Councils and Launches Campaign to Find 1000-Strong Army of Volunteers. Voluntary Action Leicestershire Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council have launched an initiative to build an army of volunteers to support people throughout Leicester and Leicestershire. Looking to match help wanted with help needed – both on a local community level and alongside partners to help coordinate the effort – the initiative has already received a staggering response: over 700 applications offering help in a matter of hours with an aim to boost figures further in to the thousands. Voluntary Action Leicestershire (VAL) is working with both the city and county councils to identify critical services, how to keep them open and consider the wider implications for residents and communities in this unprecedented time. With more people finding themselves in a situation where they are unable to work due to the current circumstances, this initiative could provide those who are fit and well with the opportunity to make a difference to people who need it most. VAL are looking for volunteers who ideally enjoy working with other people, are keen to help in a crisis and willing to be flexible to the continually changing situation. Those who are interested are being asked to visit the VAL Volunteering website and fill in the short form. This will then help to establish the bank of skills, qualifications and experience volunteers have to enable VAL to matchmake them with the areas and people that need support most. Kevin Allen-Khimani, Executive Manager – Public Sector Contracts & Projects at VAL, said: “We are thrilled with the number of volunteers who have already expressed an interest in working alongside us on this initiative and we’re hoping the figure will continue to rise as the weeks progress.” “Whilst we’re still working on an exact list of what the volunteers will be doing, it’s likely to be things like sharing information and advice with people in the community; dog walking for those who are self-isolating; providing a friendly phone call service; picking up shopping or posting mail. Every little thing will help and can make such a huge difference. In times like this, we must come together.” But this is not just aimed at the individual; Voluntary Action LeicesterShire are reaching out to companies across the county, too. Kevin Allen-Khimani continues: “We’re looking for businesses who have capacity or resource that they can move from their normal routine into helping others. For example, you might have staff with company vans who can’t do their normal work? If so, let’s connect you with voluntary organisations that need things delivering – like food, or medicine”. Anyone who would like to put their name forward to become a volunteer can find more information and complete the online form here: http://www.volunteerleicestershire.org.uk/covid-19 If you are a charity or voluntary group that would like to register to be matched with volunteers, please go to: https://www.volunteerleicestershire.org.uk/covid-19-organisations Businesses that would like to register can contact VAL at helpline@valonline.org.uk. FU Media

Strict new measures from the Government that aim to save lives by slowing the spread of the coronavirus mean big changes to the way we all live, work and socialise – regardless of our age. For at least the next three weeks, everyone in the UK should stay at home, leaving the house only if absolutely necessary. The Government has made it clear that there are only four reasons to leave your house: to go to work, if you are an essential worker and can’t work from home to shop for essential items - such as food - or to pick up medicines to care for a vulnerable person or to seek medical help for yourself to go for a walk, a bike ride or a run (no more than once a day) This means you must no longer meet up with family and friends – in your home or in their homes. And while you are still able to leave the house with members of your own household, you should avoid meeting up with anyone you don’t live with. The Police will have powers to fine anyone in a public space who’s in a group of more than two people, if they don’t live in the same household. When you do go out, always keep a 2-metre gap – that’s about 6ft – between yourself and the next person. And that applies if you’re buying food in a supermarket, making an essential journey by bus, or you’re outdoors, having a walk in the fresh air. Everyone should continue to protect themselves – and others – by thoroughly washing their hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds, regularly throughout the day. Hand sanitizer can be used when soap and hot water aren’t available. Always sneeze or cough into a clean tissue – not in your hands – and then bin the tissue immediately, before thoroughly washing your hands. To protect yourself from the virus, only touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are perfectly clean – and avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of coronavirus. This advice applies to everyone, but it’s vital for people at higher risk of serious illness from the coronavirus: that’s people aged 70 and over, people of any age with an underlying health condition, people with a weakened immune system, and pregnant women. People classed as ‘extremely vulnerable’, and therefore at the greatest risk of serious illness from the coronavirus, should shield themselves from infection by staying at home for at least the next 12 weeks. This group includes people with certain cancers, those who have received organ transplants, people on certain immunosuppression therapies, and people with severe respiratory conditions, such as severe asthma or severe COPD. All those classed as extremely vulnerable will receive a letter or text this week (by Sunday 29 March) that will provide further help and advice. Further information for extremely vulnerable people, and those who care for them, is available here Leicester City Council’s director of public health Ivan Browne said: “The coronavirus pandemic means that we all need to change the way we live our lives for a while. “It’s not going to be easy, but by drastically reducing our interaction with other people, we can help slow the spread of this highly infectious virus. “Although for most people this is a mild, self-limiting illness, for some people the consequences are far more serious so it’s really important that we do all we can to prevent the infection from spreading.” City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “We’re working closely with our partners at Public Health England to protect the people of Leicester, with the most vulnerable members of our community our top priority. “We’re also working hard to ensure we can continue to provide the vital services that people in Leicester will rely on during the coming days and weeks. “But the most important message for me to stress is that you must stay at home. “Unless you’re an essential worker, please stay at home, protect the NHS and help save lives.” With advice changing all the time, it’s important that you only go to trusted sources such as BBC Radio Leicester and the Leicester Mercury for reliable and up-to-date information that will help keep you and your family safe. The Government’s latest advice for UK citizens is available at www.gov.uk Symptoms of COVID-19 – the disease caused by the coronavirus – are as follows: A high temperature: you feel hot to touch on your back or chest A new and continuous cough: i.e. you've just started coughing repeatedly Breathing difficulties If you have any of these symptoms, however mild, you need to remain at home and self-isolate for seven days, if you live alone. If you live with other people, please note that if one member of the household shows symptoms of coronavirus, the entire household must self-isolate for 14 days. Guidance for those staying at home with possible coronavirus is available here Guidance for everyone in the UK about staying at home and away from others is available here Guidance for vulnerable people, and for those who care for older or vulnerable people, is available here Information about the coronavirus in Leicester is available at leicester.gov.uk/coronavirus, while information about council services affected by coronavirus can be found at leicester.gov.uk/serviceupdates Source : Leicester City Council Press Release

Central England Co-op says ‘thank you’ to colleagues and key workers for supporting their communities Central England Co-op has announced that is giving back to colleagues and key workers who are ensuring our communities are supported during this uncertain time. The retailer has reduced its opening hours to allow colleagues to clean stores and replenish shelves with food and essentials as well as ensuring they get more time with their families to rest and recuperate. Central England Co-op has also brought forward its annual share of profits and increased its colleague discount as a ‘thank you’ to all those who have gone above and beyond at this time. It also revealed that it has had an unprecedented response to its recruitment drive with 500 new staff, as well colleagues redeploying from other parts of its family of businesses, now working in stores across 16 counties to ensure shelves are stocked and customers are served. Central England Co-op is continuing to ask people to show ‘care, compassion and respect’ to its colleagues who are going above and beyond. This has also been supplemented with a range of measures to ensure social distancing guidelines are adhered to. Today Central England Co-op can also announce that it is planning to install plastic screens at all till points as part of its ongoing efforts to keeps colleagues and customers safe. The retailer has also announced that bread from its in-store bakery will no longer be unwrapped. Central England Co-op Chief Executive Debbie Robinson said: “Our colleagues and key workers are doing everything they can to ensure our communities continue to be supported during this uncertain time. “In the spirit of co-operation, we wanted to say thank you by giving them a little something to showcase our gratitude for their hard work and dedication. “We also wanted to say welcome to all of our new colleagues who have joined in the past few days. Thank you and good luck in your new roles. “If you’re able to say thank you to our colleagues and to key workers when you see them, we are sure they would really appreciate the support at this time. Please be kind and respectful to everyone around you.” The retailer recently launched a range of measures to help those whose lives have been affected by the Coronavirus. This includes: An urgent food bank appeal to support its charity partners after they reported a major fall in donations at the same time as a spike in demand Donations to FareShare Midlands and Dementia UK to allow them to continue their vital community services In its food stores, the Society also has in place a temporary limit of two of every product to help maintain stock levels but has reassured customers that there are no issues with its robust supply lines and that shops are getting daily delivers. People can keep up to date with what is happening in their local community by visiting a dedicated online hub at www.centralengland.coop/updates Picture credit Central England Co-op