Local businesses are being urged to test all employees regularly and encourage vaccine take up, in order to keep everyone safe and stem the rise in cases in Cornwall.

Cornwall Council is working to provide extra help, support and advice to businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, to support business continuity and to keep them open safely.

As part of this, a webinar is due to take place on Thursday, July 1, from 11am to 12pm aimed at advising businesses on what actions they need to take if they have positive cases among staff.

Rachel Wigglesworth, Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "We need every business, every employer and every employee to take up the offer of regular twice-weekly testing.

"If you are a business owner we are here to support you and your employees to do the right thing and keep your businesses open.

"Tests are available from pharmacies and you can order them for free online.

"There are seven tests in a pack and best practice is to text twice a week."

In addition, the council is actively managing and monitoring settings where there are outbreaks with an enhanced testing regime and robust case review work to understand how the virus has been transmitted.

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Rachel added: "We are not complacent and are monitoring the situation closely alongside Public Health England.

"We will consider all possible actions as the situation evolves."

The public health team is also working with health partners to urge all residents who are eligible to get vaccinated.

The NHS is working to expand pop-up and walk-in vaccination centres in a number of areas soon following successful clinics over the weekend in Stithians, Wadebridge and St Ives.

Businesses can access support and up-to-date guidance and resources to help them comply with the latest Covid restrictions on the Business Regulatory Support website.

For more information on Covid-19 in Cornwall, including, testing, vaccinations, self-isolation and how to access support, visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Details on the latest guidance and rules are available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus

To find out more and sign up, visit the scheme's Eventbrite page

The webinar will be available to watch back for anyone unable to join on the day - www.businessregulatorysupport.co.uk/our-services/business-recovery/webinars/