INDUSTRYNEWS
GGF “ Cautiously Optimistic ” Over Roadmaps To Recovery
The GGF has welcomed the Government ’ s recent unveiling of their roadmaps to recovery , but remains cautious after many false starts to the recovery over the past year .
» THERE ARE SOME KEY DATES THAT all being well , the industry can look forward to , with the headliner for England being the 12th April as the date for the re-opening of non-essential retail , which includes showrooms and concession outlets in garden centres and supermarkets . However the easing of the lockdown measures , depends on four key tests .
The tests the Government will check against every five weeks are :
• The continued success of the vaccine deployment programme
• Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalizations and deaths in those vaccinated
• Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalizations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
• The Government assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new variants of the virus that may raise concern .
John Agnew , GGF Managing Director commented , “ We are pleased to see the Government ’ s roadmap to recovery and hopeful that it all goes to plan , however there is still a long way to go to full recovery and companies should continue to act responsibly , follow the safe guidance and take all necessary precautions .”
The four tests by which the UK Government is measuring the situation shows how precarious the roadmap to recovery is and particularly after the last 12 months that has seen things change rapidly with three national lockdowns , new variants , second waves and increases in infection rates , cases , hospitalizations and fatalities .
On the positive side the vaccination programme is going remarkably well with almost 18 million people receiving the first does and over 650,000 receiving the second injection . An estimated 300,000 people per day are receiving the vaccination and by July , all going to plan , the entire population could be vaccinated .
In recent weeks , the rates of infection , cases , hospitalizations and fatalities have decreased and the yesterday ’ s Government announcement has been a message of great optimism for the UK .
From the Governments ’ information , the GGF has put together a summary of “ best case scenarios ” for companies in the Glass and Glazing Industry across the four nations of the UK and also the Republic of Ireland :
IN ENGLAND 8th March Meeting outdoors is allowed again this is detailed in the context of social and families meeting not work . The GGF will be seeking clarification from its Primary Authority Partnership and the Government on “ meeting outdoors ” as this could include safe canvassing .
• Non-essential retail ( including showrooms and concessions stores ) to remain closed
• Working in people ’ s houses can continue but safe guidance must be followed
• Working on construction sites and manufacturing can continue but must follow the safe guidance ( Site Operating Procedures )
29th March The ‘ stay at home ’ legal requirement replaced by guidance , restrictions will remain in place . People should continue to work from home where they can .
12th April If all 4 tests have proven satisfactory to Government then ;
• All retail should be in allowed to re-open . This includes showrooms , concession stores , garden centres etc .
• It is anticipated that canvassing , if it had not resumed beforehand should be safe to resume
• Most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors will be lifted – although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal
21st June If all 4 tests have proven satisfactory to Government then ; Legal limits on social contact will be lifted but some guidance will remain .
14 » APR 2021 » CLEARVIEW-UK . COM