How Calderdale Council is helping businesses to be COVID-safe

Most businesses in Calderdale are working hard to keep their premises, staff and customers safe.

The Council’s Environmental Health team has been working around the clock throughout the pandemic to help businesses follow the guidance, especially those at higher risk of COVID-19 outbreaks.

Councillor Susan Press, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, said: “We are proud of the way local businesses have taken on the challenge of transforming their practices to protect people. We’re all in this together, and every single action that we take makes a difference in beating the virus.

“Council teams and our partner organisations have been working incredibly hard to support businesses to be COVID-secure, particularly in areas and industries where infection rates are higher. This helps people to stay safe and do the things they enjoy with peace of mind.”

The Environmental Health team has worked with hundreds of premises throughout the borough, from restaurants, takeaways, bars and food factories, to gyms, beauty salons, shops, taxi offices and campsites.

The team’s visits and phone calls provide a reassuring presence to local businesses, offering support and guidance and ensuring that measures are in place to reduce the spread of the virus to protect the whole community.

In partnership with the Council’s Community Safety Wardens and West Yorkshire Police, the Environmental Health team is also carrying out weekend patrols in town centres to help ensure safe nights out for everyone.

Alongside this proactive and preventative work, teams are responding to any complaints and concerns.

As well as guiding businesses on their COVID-19 safety measures, the Council is ensuring that all of its own facilities provide the safest possible experience.

For example, it has introduced lots of measures at its sports centres to protect customers and staff and to ensure people can follow the guidelines.

Measures include two-metre markers to remind people to keep a safe distance from each other; one-way systems; certain equipment and showers out of use to allow more space and hygiene; sanitiser for hands and equipment; and protective screens at reception.