Update on effects of COVID-19 on Solihull Town Centre

Solihull BID want to keep you updated with the latest news, information and advice during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please check this page daily for more updates.

- The Prime Minister has announced the government’s roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England. Click here to find out more.

- For the latest information on which Solihull town centre businesses are still open and those offering takeaway/click & collect and delivery, please click here.

- National lockdown rules now apply in England with Coronavirus cases rising rapidly across the country. Non-essential retail and hospitality businesses must close but can still provide a click & collect/takeaway/delivery service. Click here for more details on what you can and cannot do during the national lockdown.

- Businesses impacted by the new lockdown will be able to access additional grants of up to £9,000 per premises. A further £594 million is also being made available for Local Authorities to support other businesses not eligible for the grants, that might be affected by the restrictions. Click here for more information.

- The furlough scheme has been extended until the end of April 2021 with the government continuing to contribute 80% towards wages.

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- If you have symptoms, get a free NHS test to check if you have coronavirus. Click here to book one.

- As many as 1 in 3 people who have Coronavirus don't show symptoms. If you have to leave home for work and DO NOT have symptoms you can book regular, rapid COVID tests at three different sites in Solihull to check you’re not transmitting the virus. Click here to book your test.

- The vaccine is being offered to all healthcare workers, care home residents, the elderly and the ‘clinically vulnerable’ first. The vaccine will then be offered to the wider population in order of priority. You will be invited to attend for a vaccination. Please do not attempt to book a vaccination appointment or attend a vaccination centre, unless you have been contacted and advised to book.

- If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, Birmingham & Solihull NHS have launched a new website to help. Find out about eligibility, what to expect when you attend an appointment, and other useful FAQs by clicking here.

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The whole of England is now in a national lockdown.

Click here for more details on what you can and cannot do.

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- Businesses impacted by the new lockdown will be able to access additional grants of up to £9,000 per premises. A further £594 million is also being made available for Local Authorities to support other businesses not eligible for the grants, that might be affected by the restrictions. Click here for more information.

- There is financial support available for Solihull businesses who were closed, or impacted, by the Tier 2 restrictions in October or the national lockdown in November. Click here for more information and to apply through Solihull Council. 

Get coronavirus (COVID-19) support for your business or if you’re self-employed, and find out how to keep your business and your employees safe

Find coronavirus financial support for your business

Claim for your employees' wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Make your workplace COVID-secure 

Solihull4Success - Guidance for businesses on COVID-19

Guidance for Food Businesses

Guidance for farmers, landowners and rural businesses

If you believe your Business will be affected by the current outbreak of COVID-19 (whether it's a supply chain issue, problems exporting goods or staffing concerns) please get in touch with the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Growth Hub by emailing support@gbslepgrowthhub.co.uk or call  0800 032 3488. Their business resilience Account Managers will discuss with you how their services may be able to help your business throughout this period.

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For an update on Mell Square (including opening times), please click here

For an update on Touchwood (including opening hours), please click here

 - 'Plan Ahead Team' (PATS) were formed into groups with an appointed Senior Team Leader whose responsibility it was to obtain and share relevant information to the leadership group and key partners. The PATs were conducted via virtual meetings.

For more details on the Solihull town centre recovery plan, please click here.

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Mental health and wellbeing

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Coronavirus: Guidance for Better Mental Health - Rehab 4 Addiction

Beat the lockdown blues with Solihull coach Arj's mini workouts | The Solihull Observer

How to keep children active during lockdown - iChild Blog