Following on from government advice surrounding the coronavirus emergency, it is important that certain ‘non-essential’ businesses and premises shut.

Certain premises, supermarkets, corner shops, takeaways and food delivery facilities that sell food for consumption off and away from the premises, can remain open and operational subject to certain conditions.

A full list of essential businesses can be found on the government’s website.

The current advice states that certain non-essential businesses and the public should stay at home to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The council is working with the police to monitor businesses that are following the advice.

Businesses breaching the guidelines will be subject to unlimited fines. Businesses could also face the loss of their licence to sell alcohol, offer entertainment or provide late night refreshment.

Residents who are concerned that a local business might be failing to comply, can report it to the council by email at environmentalhealth@ealing.gov.uk – all reports are made in confidence, but residents who do send in a report should include as much information as possible.

Councillor Jasbir Anand, the council’s cabinet member for business and community services, said: “It is really important that we follow the advice and stay at home. We recognise the huge contribution our small businesses make in Ealing, but during this time it is important that non-critical services stay at home. It will not only help relieve stress for our amazing front line service workers, but also save lives by stopping the spread of coronavirus.

“We are always looking to work with the local community and businesses to help, so please do get in contact if you are a business that is looking for advice.”

The council is offering advice for businesses who are looking to alter or amend their operations to comply with the regulations. To get in to contact with advice email environmentalhealth@ealing.gov.uk – it is best to email because telephone lines are very busy at the moment.

Meanwhile, the council is also responding to the COVID-19 emergency by coming together in partnership with charities, local mutual aid groups, community groups, concerned residents and businesses. They have formed the Ealing Together coalition to respond to the needs to vulnerable residents in the borough. Anyone who would like to know more should go to ealingtogether.org

Those businesses that can remain open must follow strict infection prevention measures to ensure social distancing advice is observed and to protect staff and customers. Such steps must include:

• Preventing overcrowding within and around premises
• Only allowing customers to enter the premises individually
• Ensuring that when within the premises, social distancing is observed by staff and customers
• Ensuring that staff making deliveries to customers’ homes follow social distancing advice
• Controlling and managing queues both in and outside premises to ensure social distancing is observed.

Further guidance on the government’s measures and response, as well as public and business support information, is available on the government website.