Dorset businesses urged to 'hold on in there' as county remains in Tier 2 restrictions

While coronavirus cases had fallen in Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas, Public Health Dorset explained they haven’t fallen enough and Dorset hospitals remain “under pressure” with coronavirus patients.

A move into Tier 1 would have provided a boost to struggling hospitality businesses, as rules allow indoor and outdoor mixing between different households and the ‘rule of six’.

Craig Oakes, president of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, said it was “sadly” the right decision for Dorset to remain in Tier 2 because the county’s hospitals may not able to cope with a sharp influx of Covid-19 patients.

He said: “The impact for Tier 2 may be absolutely devastating to the hospitality trade particularly as a whole and this is why financial assistance would be needed to bolster what has already provided to this area and also to periphery industries that work around hospitality.”

“My advice to businesses is to continue to campaign as one voice for assistance.

A number of shops have shut in Weymouth town centre due to the pandemic

“Use factual situations and make clear that if you cannot operate you will need further money than just that to pay wages and rent to survive.”

Mr Oakes warned of a “difficult Winter” and there may not be any point in Dorset moving to Tier 1 if there are not enough hospital beds for coronavirus patients.

He continued: “The Government should know well in advance how many hospital beds there are versus the infection rate in Dorset which should give clear indication of where we should be at and then they can concentrate on more long term strategies.

“We wish all businesses in Weymouth & Portland and their teams the very best this Christmas and we are extremely proud of their resilience and community spirit thus far.

“Please hold on in there.”

Restaurant and pub bosses previously spoke about the devastation businesses would suffer by the county staying in Tier 2 Covid regulations - with fears raised that some would remain shut forever.

Brett Dunster, owner of Bacaro on Weymouth’s Esplanade, said the county remaining in Tier 2 would “crush” some businesses and noted he would “rather be closed than open” under Tier 2 restrictions.

Dorset Chamber chief executive, Ian Girling, acknowledged that while the review decision was disappointing, he urged residents to continue to support their local businesses and follow the latest coronavirus measures.

He called upon the Government to do “everything it can” for business owners and stated the Dorset Gateway is on hand to help.

He said: “There will be many people very disappointed by this decision, especially in those areas where there has been a reduction in infection rates.

“Clearly the government is deeply concerned about the risk of rates rising and we have seen that in its messaging about Christmas over the past few days.

“It is absolutely vital that the Government does everything it can to support businesses at this time.

“But every individual should also take personal responsibility and follow the guidelines which have been put in place.

“We must do all we can to get through this and move Dorset out of Tier 2 into Tier 1 as soon as possible in the new year.

“Support for all businesses remains available through the Dorset Gateway and we will continue to work with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and ours partners in Dorset to provide the greatest help possible.”