On this page you’ll find links to the relevant Coronavirus guidance, both nationally and locally - as well as information on how you can continue to support businesses in Leicester.

Which businesses are still open in Leicester and Leicestershire?

The UK Government has ordered that all retail stores selling non-essential goods, salons, libraries, community centres, leisure facilities, playgrounds, sports courts, places of worship (excluding funerals), and hotels are to be closed until further notice. A number of food venues remain open for takeaway and delivery - we suggest checking with each venue directly. The full list of businesses who are required to close can be found here.

How can I continue to support businesses?

Now more than ever, local businesses need your support during these uncertain times. IndependentLeicester have put together a fantastic guide on how you can do just that!

Curry favourites Kayal and Herb are both now offering a delivery service where you can choose from the A la Carte menu or a Thali, with free delivery within one mile. Fine dining restaurant Chutney Ivy has takeaway available, and a 15% discount when an order is placed directly with the restaurant. If you fancy a delicious gyro wrap, The Olive Greek Street Food on Belvoir Street are offering delivery through Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat. Looking for that authentic Italian coffee hit? Merchant of Venice are offering a delivery service for their food and drinks, and if you feel like you deserve a little indulgent treat, artisan chocolatiers Cocoa Amore are still operating their online store as normal.

They’ve highlighted plenty of other businesses offering online shopping, food deliveries and those taking donations - you can find all the information here.

The historic Leicester market is still open and serving up fresh produce. Avoid some of the supermarket rush by getting down there and supporting local traders. You can find updates and all the latest information on their Facebook page.

The Great Food Club of Leicestershire has responded to the Covid-19 crisis by launching a food & drink delivery map on its free-to-use website. You can browse the map to locate more than 90 independent food & drink providers in the East Midlands who are offering a delivery service, and the map includes farm shops offering fresh fruit, meat and vegetables, butchers, producers, wine shops, restaurants and pubs.

So, if you’re based outside the city centre, you can still take advantage of the fantastic range of food in the area. Neighbourhood bar/eatery 100&Six are open for pre-orders and delivery, with an isolated collection table open between 4-5pm. The Black Dog, a wonderful and friendly pub situated in Oadby are offering delivery of the most essential items; beer and toilet roll (amongst others). Apteeki is known for serving up delicious vegan food in Melton Mowbray, and now that they’re offering delivery, you can eat it in the comfort of your own home! Make sure you take a look at the Great Food Club’s constantly updating delivery map.

I’m a business, what support is there for me?

Business support grants

A full range of business support measures have been made available to UK businesses and employees. This page helps businesses find out how to access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply.

Business Advice

If you have any business support enquiries, then you can book an appointment with an advisor via the Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) Business Gateway. Advisors can provide phone or online help with explaining government support options. This page outlines the support available and is being constantly updated.

The ACAS website is the most reliable source of information on furloughing (refer to section on “If the employer needs to close the workplace”)

Information for accommodation providers

The Government has just published more guidance for accommodation providers which consolidates and clarifies what has been published previously.

This bulletin from Visit Britain/Visit England also provides useful links for tourism businesses.

Can I go outside?

There’s four, and only four reasons why you can leave your home:

Shopping for necessities, like food and medicine, but this must be as infrequent as possible.

One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.

Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.

Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.

We can at least be grateful that this gorgeous weather has come at a time when grey skies would have only added to the gloom. Trying to get some exercise is vitally important for your physical and mental wellbeing, so try and make sure you get out for a bit of fresh air, while respecting the social distancing advice and offical guidelines.

However, if your household has a suspected coronavirus infection; you should be self-isolating. Which means the guidance is slightly different - you can find that information on GOV.UK

COVID-19 guidance for mass gatherings

In line with the social distancing guidance it is advised that large gatherings should not take place. While the risks of transmitting the disease at mass gatherings are relatively low, these steps will also allow emergency services that would have been deployed for these events to be prioritised in alleviating pressure on public services. Find out more information here GOV.UK

How will coronavirus impact my travel to Leicester & Leicestershire?

In response to the current coronavirus outbreak, the UK government has advised against all unnecessary travel and has asked the public to stop 'non-essential contact' for around 12 weeks.

Where else can I find information?

Get the latest coronavirus updates at GOV.UK

Find out how to protect yourself or check if you need medical help at NHS.UK

Service Updates for Leicester can be found on Leicester.gov.uk

What are the common symptoms of coronavirus?

• A continuous cough

• A high temperature

• Shortness of breath

If you are suffering with any of the above symptoms it does not necessarily mean you have the illness. It could be related to other illnesses, such as a cold and flu. Please follow the guidance on NHS 111, who will ask you some questions related to your symptoms.