Businesses across Cornwall are being invited to attend a ‘Covid-19 Business Survival Guide’ webinar to help them navigate the pandemic after the rules change on Monday, July 19.

The virtual event is being held between 3pm and 4pm on Tuesday, July 20 - the day after legal restrictions come to an end in England.

Featuring a panel of experts from Cornwall Council’s Public Health and Public Protection teams, the event aims to let business owners know how best to continue to protect their staff and customers.

By having the right measures in place, businesses can ensure they stay up and running even as case numbers continue to rise this summer.

The webinar is being hosted by the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and chaired by its chief executive, Kim Conchie.

Key discussion points include:

• Testing – why this is important and how to access tests for staff.

• Self-isolation – when your staff need to self-isolate and when they don’t.

• Vaccinations – encouraging employees to get double-jabbed and why this is vital.

• Covid Safety Measures - how Covid-safe is your business? Check-list of advisory measures.

• Mental Health and ‘reopening anxiety’ – how to support your staff.

Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “I would encourage as many businesses as possible to attend this webinar.

“By being fully prepared and armed with the right knowledge and information, businesses can give themselves the best chance of success as we continue to live with Covid.

“Things like regular testing for staff, vaccination take-up, good hygiene practices and knowing when and how to self-isolate can make all the difference to business continuity.”

Cllr Andy Virr, portfolio holder for adults and public health at Cornwall Council, added: “This is a great opportunity for businesses to get up to speed with the latest advice and guidance as we all begin life after Covid restrictions.

“If you are a business owner, we are here to support you and your employees to do the right thing and keep your businesses open.”

Kim Conchie, chief executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said: “We want all businesses and their customers to understand we’re still in difficult times and be respectful and kind to everyone.

“The science around individuals’ own health and stats on business survival is a difficult mix. The Government has made a decision to ease lockdown but I believe locally there are a lot of people who still have questions.

“So I hope this event bringing together health experts from Cornwall Council and business insight from the Chamber of Commerce will help give Cornwall’s business owners and their colleagues some reassurance.”

Businesses can sign up to the webinar at www.cornwallchamber.co.uk

They can also access support and up-to-date guidance and resources to help them comply with the latest Covid restrictions on the Business Regulatory Support website.

For more information on Covid-19 in Cornwall, including, testing, vaccinations, self-isolation and how to access support, visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/coronavirus Details on the latest guidance and rules are available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus