As more businesses are allowed to open up after lockdown, local support is available to help companies get back on their feet safely.

Wirral Council has produced a toolkit with advice and guidance to help businesses reopen safely and operate in a COVID-secure manner.

The toolkit also includes a selection of posters you can print and display to help keep your staff and customers safe.

Throughout the lockdowns the council has been working to support businesses and help them prepare for reopening while meeting the latest COVID guidance. The toolkit also includes information on managing COVID-19 cases in your business, testing and guidance for your sector such as close contact services factories and warehouses, lab facilities, performing arts, sport facilities and hospitality.

The Government confirmed that from Monday 12th April a large number of businesses could now reopen after being closed since last year. This includes:

- All non-essential retail and shops

- Outdoor hospitality venues like pubs and restaurants can serve food and drinks outdoors (with table service only). The 'rule of six' will apply (up to six people, or two separate households) and every member of your group will be required to 'check-in' via app or by leaving your contact details.

- Indoor leisure and sports facilities, including gyms, will be able to reopen for individual exercise, or exercise within a person's household or support bubble

- Personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons

- Self-contained accommodation will be able to open for overnight stays, for guests from the same household or support bubble

- Public buildings like libraries and community centres

- Most outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas

- Some smaller outdoor events such as fetes and fairgrounds will be able to take place

For more detailed information the government has produced an extensive list of guides to cover a range of different types of business.