COVID-19

The UK Government has unveilled its roadmap out of lockdown.  

The UK Government has announced a series of steps out of the national lockdown, the steps are being monitored and restrictions may change at any time. 

From 29th March:

• Outdoor sports to return
• Outdoor gatherings of up to 6 people is permitted
• Stay at home order ends.

From 12th April: 

• Non essential retail and businesses such as hairdressers and beauty salons may reopen
• Most outdoor venues open, including pubs and restaurants but only for outdoor tables and beer gardens. Customers will have to be seated but there will be no need to have a meal with alcohol
• Zoos and theme parks can reopen
• Indoor leisure facilities such as pools and gyms can reopen, people can only attend on their own or as part of their household. 
• Holiday lets with no shared facilities can reopen for one household at a time

From 17th May: 

• Up to 30 people can meet outside
• Indoor mixing allowed for up to 6 people or two households
• Indoor venues, including pubs, restaurants, B&Bs, play centres, cinemas, museums and similar can reopen. The new indoor and outdoor mixing limits will remain for hospitality venues. 
• Indoor sports venues can have up to 1,000 sepctators, or large outdoor seated venues, such as football stadiums have a limit on 10,000 people. 

From 21st June:

• All legal limits on mixing will be removed and the last sectors to remain closed, such as nightclubs can open
• Large events can take place. 

While restrictions are starting to lift from 12th April with many accommodation providers and attractions permitted to open from 17th May, it is advised that you remain in your household or support bubbles at this time. 

Please visit gov.uk/coronavirus for all the latest information. 

Where to find information...

The most up to date information regarding Coronavirus can be found on the official UK Government website, where you’ll find all the latest on localised and national lockdowns and the procedures for travelling from abroad, as well as travelling around the UK. 

Enjoy Sidmouth Safely

Like many of you, Sidmouth has also been affected by the continuing issues surrounding the coronavirus and while we are happy to have you back, once restrictions are lifted, we want you to be able to enjoy your trip to Sidmouth safely.

Here are a few tips to help you do just that!

• Many accommodation providers, shops and other enclosed spaces will have made changes to their layouts and practises including wearing a face covering in certain areas. Please make sure to follow all signage and use provided hand sanitiser, please also note that the individual businesses are following government guidance, so do listen to them when they ask you to follow certain protocol and treat everyone with kindness and respect.
• Many attractions are running at a reduced capacity and some have made changes to their opening times. Please check with the individual attraction before making your journey as you will have to prebook.
• Contactless payments are being encouraged across all businesses, so please be aware that you will likely be asked to pay by card in person or online before you visit.
• Public transport and other spaces will require you to wear a face covering by law. Not wearing one may result in a fine. There are a number of people who are exempt from wearing a face mask, if you are exempt, you can pick up a card explaining this from hidden disabilities.
• Eateries around Sidmouth may require you to make advanced bookings, so please check their availability beforehand.

Know Before you Go

The Know Before You Go campaign was launched to help give visitors peace of mind when travelling in a post Coronavirus world.

So, when preparing your journey make sure:

• Check all the latest information online from the individual places you are planning to visit to see what restrictions may be in place and to make any advanced bookings that might be required.
• Make sure to take a bank card on you as many businesses are operating a cashless policy at the moment.
• Bring a face covering with you and keep it on your person.

What businesses are open?

Currently, as there is a UK wide lockdown in affect, only essential shops are open. Non essential retail, entertainment venues, attractions and eateries will resume once lockdown has lifted.  Both VisitEngland and the AA have launched new industry standards to give visitors peace of mind that every effort has been put in place to make your visit as safe as possible. Look out for the marks when booking accommodation or days out. For updates on these businesses, please follow their social medias and visit their websites for the latest news. 

Don’t forget…!

To check all plans directly with venues, accommodation providers and other businesses that you plan to visit before you travel.

Be aware that there may be some changes to public transport, so allow for potential delays.

Make sure to keep a distance of two meters where you can while enjoying Sidmouth.

Make sure to keep a face covering on your person and to use it when asked to do so.

Make sure to keep washing your hands, there will be extra chances to do so in shops and other enclosed spaces, but it is always a good idea to keep a travel sized bottle of hand sanitiser with you when travelling around the region.

Take a bank card with you as businesses around Sidmouth are encouraging cashless sales.

Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!

Should the tier systems be implemented post the January/February lockdown, we would recommend not travelling if you are planning a visit from a Tier 3 area or if you are feeling unwell. Anyone visiting from a Tier 2 region must stay within their family group or support bubble when travelling to Sidmouth. 

The official government website is the best place to check for the latest information and advice for travellers. If you feel unwell or are displaying any symptoms, please do not travel and follow the guidance provided by the government and the NHS’s coronavirus service.