How is the ‘pingdemic’ affecting your business?
Last week over 600,000 people in the UK were ‘pinged’ by the NHS Test and Trace app, meaning they had been in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19. Those traced have to isolate for 10 days.
Industries such as hospitality and retail that were hit badly by the pandemic, are now being targeted again and the effect that this is having on businesses is hugely detrimental. With staff shortages in already fraught sectors, social distancing rules scrapped and a week into ‘freedom’ of not wearing masks, many are worried that the situation can only get worse.
From 16th August, those who’ve been fully vaccinated for 14 days won’t need to isolate. But until then those ‘pinged’ by the app or have only received one vaccine are still advised to self-isolate for the 10 day stint.
Last week, the government announced there will be exemptions to the isolating list for those double-jabbed. Those who work in critical roles such as emergency services, energy, nuclear, food production, essential transport and border control, will not need to isolate.
Businesses around the country are having to reduce opening hours, or not open at all due to their staff members having to isolate. Cumbria Chamber is standing with businesses and is calling for extra support from the government to help the sectors in need. We’re asking the government to bring forward the 16th August date so those who’ve been double jabbed don’t have to isolate unless they’ve had a positive PCR test.
If your business has been affected by the ‘pingdemic’ then we’d like to hear from you. Please email our Business Engagement Manager, Luke Jarmyn at luke@cumbriachamber.co.uk.
© Cumbria Chamber of Commerce