Gwynedd Council has paid tribute to local businesses for their hard work as they keep on keeping everyone safe while continuing to trade and bring vibrancy to the county.

Since the Coronavirus restrictions have been relaxed, businesses across Gwynedd have put measures in place to keep customers, staff and the wider community safe.

Now that there are further changes to the national rules, Gwynedd Council would like to thank businesses for their continued efforts and also to thank customers in advance for their patience and for their contribution towards to keeping others safe in these difficult times.

The effects of the Coronavirus continues to be a threat to us all, which is why Gwynedd Council is calling on everyone to abide by the rules and good practice, such as: Frequent hand washing; maintaining social distancing from people outside our ‘bubble’; wearing a face covering or a mask in public places such as shops or public transport; no gatherings of more than six people indoors; follow the signs and instructions in place in shops, pubs etc.

Cllr Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council's Cabinet Member for the Economy, said: "It goes without saying that the past few months have been difficult for everyone, and the challenges the business sector has faced are enormous.

"We are so pleased to see shops, restaurants and other attractions re-opening and injecting life back into our towns and villages. Our officers are available to help any business understand the new rules and advise them on how to put appropriate safety measures in place.

"We urge people to follow the national guidelines and rules – don’t forget to take a mask with you when you go out and wear it over your nose and mouth if you go into a shop or another establishment.

"It’s in everyone's interest to help avoid another lock down and not cause the Council having to take action against a business for not making sure customers comply with the law."

Businesses are legally obliged to display information within their premises on how to reduce the risk of exposure to Coronavirus. Gwynedd Council has created posters and signs that local businesses can use to remind customers of the Covid-19 restrictions in Wales, which are available on the Council's website www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/businessCOVID19.

Councillor Gareth Griffith, Gwynedd Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment, added: "We are very grateful to everyone for playing a part in avoiding the further spread of the Covid-19 virus. The Council's role is to make sure that businesses follow the rules to keep staff and customers safe.

“Our enforcement officers have the power to issue an improvement notice or even to close an establishments down if the correct steps are not believed to have been taken to reduce the risk of exposure to Coronavirus.

“As a Council, we don’t take these sorts of steps lightly, but there have been local examples where it has been necessary to take action. We don't want to see any business having to close, so we urge business owners and managers to take the appropriate steps and ask customers to follow the rules. We also ask customers to be respectful of staff at any establishment who ask you to put a face covering on or to follow any other instructions.”

Businesses can keep up to date with the latest Coronavirus rules via the Council's website www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/businessCOVID19 by following @BusinessGwynedd on Twitter or signing up for regular newsletters here.

Follow the latest Welsh Government guidelines on www.gov.wales.coronavirus.