City Corporation helps businesses build resilience as Square Mile reopens

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The City of London Corporation is working with businesses to build resilience and help tackle the rise in COVID-19 infections as the Square Mile reopens for business. 

The lifting of restrictions and reopening means preventing the virus spreading across workplaces is vital to help the Square Mile thrive. 

This is why the City of London Corporation has updated its guidance for businesses and organisations which is available at: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/covid19management. 

City of London Corporation Policy Chair, Catherine McGuinness, said: “The Square Mile is back open for business but the virus has not gone away and we must learn to live with it. We urge everyone to act responsibly. 

“This is why we are working with businesses to help them build their resilience during this pandemic by offering a free assessment to ensure their business is COVID-secure, as well as advice on the importance of cleaning more often, letting fresh air in and encouraging customers to check-in via the NHS App. 

“Businesses can help us to keep track of the virus by reporting all cases alongside promoting the COVID-19 vaccination to their workforce.” 

Everyone is still legally required to self-isolate if they test positive or they have been instructed to do so by NHS Test and Trace. 

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From 16 August people in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case who have been double vaccinated for at least 14 days or are under 18 years old will not need to self-isolate. 

All businesses are also being urged to take part in a pioneering scheme assessing business’ COVID-19 safety measures. 

The accreditation scheme, which was set up in September last year as a pilot, was the first of its kind launched by a UK governing body. 

Following its initial success, it was relaunched in April, to promote public confidence in London’s pubs, restaurants, gyms, hairdressers and shops. 

Businesses can have the free assessment by City of London Corporation environmental health officers to ensure they are COVID secure. For further information email M&[email protected] 

The City of London Corporation is also offering up to £50million of support to SMEs which contribute to the Square Mile’s vibrancy at street level and which directly provide services to returning City workers, visitors and residents. 

The Business Recovery Fund has been extended to the end of this month. For more information on how to apply visit: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/business-rates/business-rates-in-the-city 

This fund will play a vital role in supporting the City’s economic recovery whilst also ensuring that businesses continue to follow COVID secure arrangements and will help us, in partnership with our SMEs, to build back better. 

Square Mile hospitality and retail businesses will also be visited by City of London Corporation’s COVID-19 testing and vaccination team in the coming weeks, to help provide information on the importance of regular rapid testing and vaccination. 

The team will be going ward to ward visiting small businesses advising them on the offer of free rapid testing and vaccination. The first ward to be visited will be Broad Street.

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