Tag: essential

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Canada

Essential workers fairly well prepared

Essential workers fairly well prepared
Essential workers fairly well prepared

Even without official permission, most essential workers exempted from the curfew felt rather comfortable walking the streets after 8 p.m.

• Read also: Quiet evening in grocery stores and pharmacies

• Read also: Curfew in Quebec: the great privilege … to have a dog

“I don’t really have permission. I was told that with our CIUSSS card we were going to be correct. I did print my schedule anyway for further proof. It seems to be a tacit agreement between the CIUSSS and the Quebec Police Service, ”said Maxime, a specialist educator at the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, who finished his shift at 11 p.m. on Saturday evening.

The government has provided a list of situations in which it is permitted to waive the curfew between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The exceptions include people who must report to their workplaces.

Most of the workers interviewed by The newspaper Saturday night had official clearance and were ready to be intercepted by the police.

“The Association des restaurateurs du Québec provided us with a clear certificate that we could print for our delivery people. Two out of three delivery people were checked, but they had no problem, “said Daniel Paulin, owner of Resto La Muse in Drummondville.

Tristan Pérez, bike delivery man for Pizzeria NO.900 on Laurier Street in Montreal, said he was “privileged to be able to be in the streets after 8 p.m.”

Some more nervous

Serge Sigouin who went to look for his daughter working in an RPA.

Courtesy photo

Serge Sigouin who went to look for his daughter working in an RPA.

Serge Sigouin was “a little nervous” at the idea of ​​picking up his 18-year-old daughter who works as a receptionist in a retirement home until 9 p.m., even though the government allows a parent to drive their teenager to their home. job.

If she had official permission to travel after curfew, he didn’t.

“When I got to RPA, I took a breath because afterwards she had her real document,” admitted the father, who had shaved and even put on a shirt “to put the odds in his favor.”

Drivers from Uber and Uber Eats also said they were “nervous” to travel on the roads because the company did not issue them with travel certificates “since they are not officially employees.”

“We are worried that we still don’t know what to show the police if we are arrested. But when I see companies like Doordash or SkiptheDishes providing certificates to their drivers, it frustrates me a bit, ”said Angela Baron, driver for Uber, in Montreal.

– With Nora T. Lamontagne and Erika Aubin

Categories
Canada

New health measures: factories and construction sites all deemed essential

New health measures: factories and construction sites all deemed essential
New health measures: factories and construction sites all deemed essential

“We leave it to the employers to decide and that worries us. We would have preferred clear rules, “said Federation of Quebec Workers (FTQ) president Daniel Boyer shortly after the government’s announcement on Wednesday.

• Read also: Curfew for one month: Quebecers under house arrest from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

While all the scenarios evoked the day before involved the shutdown of part of the manufacturing and construction industries, this ultimately will not be the case.

Quebec instead asks the two sectors to reduce their “activities to a minimum to ensure the fulfillment of current commitments” from Saturday until February 8.

“What we understand is that construction, like manufacturing, is seen as an essential industry and that activities continue. We are relieved, ”says Guillaume Houle of the Quebec Construction Association (ACQ).

It is a relief, too, within the Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec (MEQ).

“We are far from spring. All manufacturers are considered essential, ”says Véronique Proulx, CEO of the organization.

She explains that some manufacturers could space out or add work shifts in order to limit the number of people in a factory and promote physical distancing.

Looseness

At the FTQ, we are aware that the virus is transmitted in the workplaces and we see a relaxation of respect for instructions, both among employees and employers.

“We don’t necessarily want industries to be closed. We want clear instructions that are respected and that there is less and less slacking off, ”explains Mr. Boyer.

“We will not be able to get through with nebulous instructions,” he adds.

In its Wednesday announcement, Quebec also extended the obligation to telework “when possible” and the adjustment of work shifts to limit attendance at production and construction sites.

As of mid-December, 26.8% of outbreaks across the province were from businesses in the manufacturing sector. The construction sector accounted for 8.6% of outbreaks, according to data from the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec.

Lack of clarity in construction

“I wish it was clearer. Can we finish our projects? Can we start with new ones? ” asks Jean-Martin Lemay, from Menuitech, who specializes in kitchen cabinets. The boss of the company will be meeting with his project managers today to see what they will do over the next few days. Menuitech’s plan, before Wednesday’s announcement, was very cautious: no new work before January 11. “We will continue to protect our customers. If they hold another media briefing in a week and shut us down, we’re going to look crazy. I will be careful, ”assures Mr. Lemay.

Aeronautics spared

The aerospace industry is doing better than in the spring containment. As of Tuesday, employers had announced to their employees that production would be maintained.

“This decision […] will prevent Quebec from becoming a blocking point in the global supply chain, “Aéro Montréal said on Wednesday. Bombardier, Airbus, Pratt & Whitney and Bell Textron will thus be able to continue to deliver aircraft and engines to their customers. Aéro Montréal assured that the industry would make “additional efforts” in terms of health measures, without giving more details.

A little air for retailers

As of Saturday, all retailers in Quebec will be able to offer contactless car pick-up to consumers for essential and non-essential goods purchased online. This was an industry request to enable businesses to better serve their customers and improve their finances. This business practice was not yet permitted in Quebec, unlike in Ontario. For the Quebec Retail Council, this is good news.

“This option will allow several retailers to cross the wave, to liquidate their inventory and to maximize every dollar of sale”, suggests the CEO, Stéphane Drouin. Same story with the Retail Council of Canada (RCC).

“This measure will certainly give a little air to so-called non-essential retailers who continue to go through an extremely difficult period,” said Marc Fortin, president of CCCD – Quebec.

Categories
Headline USA

6 essential foods to speed up metabolism and lose weight faster | The State

6 essential foods to speed up metabolism and lose weight faster | The State
6 essential foods to speed up metabolism and lose weight faster | The State

Metabolism is a indispensable concept in the weightloss. The truth is that metabolism is not a minor thing, it refers to physical processes and chemicals of the body that convert or use energy as: respiration, blood circulation, regulating body temperature, muscle contractions, digestion of food and nutrients, the functioning of the brain and nerves, and waste disposal.

In fact the higher the metabolism, more calories the body will burn, in such a way that it is a fundamental concept not only to lose weight, it is key to maintain a stable body weight and also its optimal functioning is directly related to the fat burning.

The truth is that as we get older metabolism slows down, we begin to lose muscle mass and hormone levels are often out of balance, all these factors make us more prone to weight gain, to mood swings and to suffer from various health conditions. The good news is that there extraordinary allies for speed up metabolism and increase the body’s ability to burn calories.

1. Foods rich in protein

It is well known that proteins They are a fundamental macronutrient in weight loss and much of the success lies in your ability to speed up metabolism, since when consuming them they make the body require more energy to digest. This process is known as the thermic effect of food (TEF), which It refers to the amount of calories what does your body need to digest, absorb and process the nutrients in your meals. There is an investigation in which it was found that foods rich in protein are the ones that increase the TEF the most; in fact accelerate the metabolic rate by 15-30%. Bet on the consumption of food such as: meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Salmon. / Photo: Shutterstock

2. Foods rich in iron, zinc and selenium

He iron, zinc and selenium play different but equally important roles in the correct functioning of the organism. However, we place special emphasis on these three, since they have one thing in common: are necessary for the correct operation of the thyroid gland, which is responsible for regulate metabolism. According to various investigations, a diet that is too low in iron, zinc, or selenium can reduce the capacity of the thyroid gland to produce quantities enough hormones and this is one of the main causes of a slow metabolism. The good news is that thyroid function can benefit significantly through diet, it is therefore important to integrate foods rich in zinc, selenium and iron. The most prominent are: the seafood, meat, green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Pumpkin seeds. / Photo: Shutterstock

3. Chili peppers

The chilies They are a very healthy food and full of medicinal properties, which are directly related to its content in capsaicin, a unique chemical found in any variety of chili peppers and peppers. In a particular way capsaicin, Is associated with great benefits stimulate metabolism by increasing the amount of calories and fat that burns the body. According to a review carried out in 20 recognized studies, capsaicin can help the body burn around 50 extra calories per day. This effect was initially seen after taking 135-150 mg of capsaicin per day, but some studies report similar benefits with doses as low as 9-10 mg per day. In addition, it has A study which supports the properties of capsaicin for reduce appetite, in which it is verified that consuming 2 mg capsaicin before every meal reduces the amount of calories consumed, especially carbohydrates.

Chilies.
Chiles./Photo: Pixabay

4. Coffee

In the last few months the popularity of coffee has grown more than usual and science is discovering every day new benefits related to their intake. Specifically I knowstudios report that the caffeine found in coffee can help increase metabolic rate by up to 11%. But that’s not all, it has six different studies in which it was found that people they consume at least 270 mg of caffeine per day, or the equivalent of three cups of coffee, they burn 100 extra calories per day. Another of the great genius of caffeine is its qualities for help the body burn fat in order to obtain energy and is also related to advantages for increase performance in training and physical activity.

Coffee

Coffee. / Source: Pixabay

5. Tea

The tea is considered the healthiest drink on the planet, is a medicinal treasure without equal. According to recent research, the caffeine combination and catechins found naturally in tea are the perfect combination for stimulate metabolism. Regarding the best variants, in particular, both the green tea like oolong can increase metabolism between a 4 and 10%. This results in a burn an additional 100 calories per day. In addition, oolong and green teas, are a great ally for the body to use the stored fat to obtain energy more efficiently, increasing your ability to burn fat by up to 17%. Without a doubt, tea is a staple for fight obesity and keep a healthy body weight.

Green tea./Photo: Pixabay

6. Spices

In recent months all nutrition trends talk about the benefits of consuming medicinal spices. In particular, there are some variants that have properties metabolism stimulants particularly beneficial, such is the case of this investigation in which the benefits of dissolve 2 grams of powdered ginger in hot water and drinking it in main meals is a great help to burn up 43 extra calories. This hot ginger drink also seems decrease hunger levels and improve the feeling of satiety. Similarly, add cayenne pepper in food can increase the amount of fat that the body burns for energy, especially after a high-fat food.

Spices./Photo: Pexels

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Categories
Headlines UK

Your essential guide to vaccine venues, how it works and the plan to end lockdown by mid-Marc

Your essential guide to vaccine venues, how it works and the plan to end lockdown by mid-Marc
Your essential guide to vaccine venues, how it works and the plan to end lockdown by mid-Marc

Countdown to 15 million jabs… and freedom: Your essential guide to vaccine venues, how it works and the plan to end lockdown by mid-March

By Mail on Sunday Reporter

Published: | Updated:

Tomorrow marks another major milestone in the fightback against Covid as 530,000 doses of the new, British-made vaccine will start to be given out. 

Already more than a million people (mostly over-80s) have had a first dose of the Pfizer jab – with some receiving their second. 

With the Oxford vaccine being rolled out next week, it’s expected that at least a million jabs a week will be done this month, with the inoculation programme hitting full throttle in February at double that rate. 

The great hope is that in mid-March we will reach the 15 million jabs target, the point when it has been predicted that Britain can escape the crippling cycle of restrictions. 

So, tomorrow’s roll-out of the ‘game-changing’ Oxford jab sets us on a happy, optimistic path.

A map shows the various venues across the country where vaccinations are taking place

Who is getting it first?

The nine-point priority list from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is central to Phase One:

1 Residents in care homes for older adults (estimated total 425,000 people) and their carers (up to 1.5 million)

2 All aged 80 and over (3.3million) and frontline health and social care workers (1.5million)

3 Everyone aged 75 and over (2.2million)

4 All aged 70 and over (3.3million) and those considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable

5 All people aged 65 and over (3.4million)

6 All individuals aged 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality

7 Everyone aged 60 and over (3.7million)

8 Anybody aged 55 years and over (4.3million)

9 All aged 50 years and over (4.7million)

A graphic demonstrates the major milestones in the crisis and the bid to be lockdown-free

A graphic demonstrates the major milestones in the crisis and the bid to be lockdown-free

A graphic demonstrates how exactly the new Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine works

A graphic demonstrates how exactly the new Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine works

A graphic demonstrates where exactly the new Oxford vaccine is being made

A graphic demonstrates where exactly the new Oxford vaccine is being made

A graphic demonstrates how coronavirus compares to other major causes of death last year

A graphic demonstrates how coronavirus compares to other major causes of death last year

Categories
Headline USA

The essential quality to have a happy relationship | The State

The essential quality to have a happy relationship | The State
The essential quality to have a happy relationship | The State

The pandemic by Coronavirus unleashed in this 2020 has highlighted the importance of the home and the power to sustain a family or a couple relationship thanks to different qualities, including the psychological flexibility what will make you have a happy love.

As detailed Infobae, there is a review of 174 studies showing that a happy and stable relationship can make you more professionally successful. According to the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, the most important factor for happy relationships comes down to just one characteristic: psychological flexibility.

This quality is defined as a set of skills that people wear when presented difficult or challenging thoughts, feelings, emotions, or experiences.

The lasting couples have the ability to deal with emotional blows and that translates into a prosperous relationship. The authors of the aforementioned study found a strong link between psychological inflexibility and the weaker family ties, less satisfying relationships, more screaming and insecurity and less effective parenting.

To be mentally rigid it’s bad for all kinds of close relationships, apparently. Psychological flexibility helps everyone to prosper, to feel better.

Research Digest of the British Psychological Society explains that “psychologically flexible people are characterized by a set of attitudes and abilities.”

“Usually They are open and accept experiences, be they good or bad; they try to be aware of the present moment; they experience difficult thoughts without reflecting on them; seek to maintain a broader perspective when faced with a challenge; they keep chasing important goals despite setbacks; and maintain contact with deeper values“.

Psychologists consider that rigid and inflexible responses at difficult or challenging experiences are dysfunctional and generally aggravate psychopathology of a person. So now you know what you need to work on for a lasting relationship.

Categories
Entertainment UK

Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall and beau Jordan Stephens spotted on essential shop

Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall and beau Jordan Stephens spotted on essential shop
Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall and beau Jordan Stephens spotted on essential shop

Jade Thirlwall and Jordan Stephens may both be chart-toppers but they still do things that normal couples do.

The Little Mix beauty, 28, and Rizzle Kicks star, 28, appeared keen to keep a low-profile as they headed to their local supermarket in London to stock up on essentials this week.

Toting arms full of plastic carrier bags, the duo cut casual figures as they walked back to their vehicle to take their wares home.

Jade – who celebrated her birthday on Boxing Day – donned a black cap decorated with the National Geographic logo and hid her frame under an oversized khaki coat teamed with baggy jeans and a funnel neck sweater.

Hip-hop musician Jordan looked equally as relaxed in a mustard coloured padded coat, and hid his dreadlocks below a fur-lined hat complete with ear flaps.

Jade Thirlwall and Jordan Stephens took a trip to the supermarket

Proving Jordan is one affectionate man, he was snapped lovingly wrapping his arms around his Black Magic singer girlfriend as they wheeled a trolley back to the drop-off station in the car park.

Smitten Jade and Jordan have been dating since May, and in October Jade told Cosmopolitan that it was seeing her beau dressed in drag for 2019 film Tucked that sealed the deal.

Jade kept it causal in a baggy coat and cap

The pair stocked up on essentials

During a conversation with RuPaul for the mag, Jade revealed: “When I first started talking to my boyfriend, I discovered he did a movie where he played a drag queen and I was like, ‘right, that’s it’.

“He’s perfect. Sign me up! A straight man who’s willing to dress in drag and loves being queer and feminine.”

Jordan and Jade appeared relaxed as they loaded up their car

Jordan was captured wrapping his arms around his stunning girlfriend

Jade split from her last boyfriend, Jed Elliot from The Struts, in July 2019 and was first spotted out and about with Jordan as part of the Black Trans Lives Matter marches in June.

The pair then took a romantic trip to Venice together in August.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at [email protected] or call us direct 0207 29 33033.

Categories
Canada

Distribution of gifts: Santa Claus is an essential service, Legault slice

COVID-19: Santa has also converted to Zoom
COVID-19: Santa has also converted to Zoom

The North Pole is still in the green zone, Santa Claus will be able to distribute gifts as usual on the night of December 24 to 25, Prime Minister François Legault announced on Sunday at a very special press conference alongside the legendary character with white beard.

For the occasion, the children had replaced the journalists and they took the opportunity to bombard the Prime Minister and Santa Claus with questions related to the pandemic.

“Is it possible to leave cookies and a glass of milk for Santa Claus?” asked little Raphaëlle, 7, in particular, when she stepped into the microphone.

Answer: of course! Insatiable lover of sweets, as evidenced by his waist size, the famous resident of the North Pole even hinted that he would gladly taste the famous natas, these Portuguese tarts so much praised by the Dr Horacio Arruda last spring.

The national director of public health was not present at the press briefing on Sunday, but Prime Minister Legault said he too gave his blessing to Santa Claus for the delivery of gifts to the cottages.

It must be said that even if Santa Claus lives in promiscuity with his elves, the North Pole has not recorded any case of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. In addition, Mr. Noël has already received the vaccine, considered a priority patient because of his venerable age.

“It stung a few seconds and then it was over. We can’t say that it really hurt. On the contrary, it feels good. Being vaccinated is good for everyone, ”he said on Sunday when the young Edmond hounded him on the subject.

A message to Quebec children

Despite everything, François Legault invites young and old to keep a distance of two meters with Santa Claus if ever, by the greatest of luck, they meet him on the evening of December 24.

The premier of Quebec also praised the efforts of children since the start of the coronavirus crisis. Still, Mr. Legault took the liberty of asking them kindly to make one last sacrifice in these difficult times, when telework and home schooling sometimes go hand in hand.

“You know, for your parents, it was also a difficult year. We just want to ask you, when you’re in the house, to be quiet. Try to be quiet, give your parents a hug, but try not to annoy them, because they are tired, ”implored François Legault, who then revealed that his favorite Christmas song was December 23.

“We will see you on January 11”

“December 23, Merry Christmas, Mr. Côté. Hi ti-cul, we’ll see you again on January 7, ”sings Beau Dommage in this timeless Quebec holiday classic.

However, the Prime Minister is proposing to change the words this year, as school will resume on January 11, not on January 7, in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

Santa Claus also sang the song during the press conference. His voice sounded like even that of actor Pierre Curzi.

“I’ve been told that your favorite movies are The decline of the American Empire and the The Plouffe, is that true? ” François Legault joked.

Santa Claus is not the first character to be declared an essential service by the Legault government, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny also benefiting from this title.

Categories
Technology US

Frontline essential workers and the elderly next in line for COVID-19 vaccinations in US

Frontline essential workers and the elderly next in line for COVID-19 vaccinations in US
Frontline essential workers and the elderly next in line for COVID-19 vaccinations in US

Frontline essential workers and people 75 years of age and older in the United States should get COVID-19 vaccines in the next wave of immunizations, an independent committee at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended. That group includes about 49 million people.

After those groups are vaccinated, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) said doses should go to people between 65 and 74 years old, people between 16 and 65 years old with underlying health conditions, and other essential workers not in groups considered frontline.

Vaccines will be in limited supply through at least the next few months. The CDC expects that there should be doses available to vaccinate 20 million people in December, 30 million people in January, and 50 million people in February. “In this setting, difficult choices have to be made,” Kathleen Dooling, medical officer at the CDC, said in a presentation to the ACIP.

States and local jurisdictions ultimately make the final decisions around the distribution and prioritization of vaccinations, but the CDC recommendations help shape their approaches.

The first phase of vaccinations are going to health care workers and long term care facility residents. Those groups started to get vaccinated last week, and over 500,000 people in the US have been vaccinated so far.

The ACIP balanced two main goals to make recommendations for the second wave of vaccinations: preventing death and disease and preserving societal function. Older adults over 75 have the highest risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Frontline essential workers — which the committee says includes firefighters, teachers, grocery store workers, manufacturing workers, and others — are unable to work from home and often have to interact with the public, putting them at risk of exposure to the virus. Keeping those groups healthy will help keep key services running.

Slide from a presentation on vaccine prioritization.
CDC

“This approach mitigates health inequities as racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented in many essential industries,” Dooling said.

The third group the committee says should be vaccinated includes essential workers like people working in food service, construction, transportation, wastewater, and media. People between 65 and 74 are also at high risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19, as are younger people with underlying health conditions like cardiac disease or diabetes.

While the CDC has a list of workplaces that it considers frontline and essential, different states will set those designations in different ways. Various interest groups are lobbying states to include their workers in early vaccination groups — Uber, for example, asked states to prioritize its drivers.

Distributing vaccines to the second and third wave of priority groups will be difficult. It’s hard to determine eligibility, for example, and reaching essential workers (who may not be able to take time off of work, or may live in rural areas) is a challenge. Committee members stressed the importance of adequate funding for vaccine distribution. Money was funneled into vaccine development, which led to the overwhelmingly effective final products. Local health departments need the same level of investment in vaccination programs. The vaccines are Cadillacs, Jeffrey Duchin, a health officer in King County, Washington, said during the meeting. “But they’ve come with empty gas tanks,” he said.

Over 200,000 people are being diagnosed with COVID-19 in the US each day, and over 2,500 people are dying from the disease every day.

Categories
Headlines UK London

Welsh shoppers are left outraged after supermarkets cordon off non-essential items

Welsh shoppers are left outraged after supermarkets cordon off non-essential items
Welsh shoppers are left outraged after supermarkets cordon off non-essential items

Shoppers in Wales have been left outraged after supermarkets cordoned off non-essential items days before Christmas under the country’s shock Covid crackdown.

Pictures today emerged of Sainsbury’s in Pontypridd which blocked off non-essential sections of the store using large red barricades.

Sainsbury’s say the items – including clothing and Christmas decorations – are blocked off ‘in line with the Welsh government’s guidance’.

From midnight last night, Wales was thrust into a full lockdown – forcing all non-essential shops to close their doors and slashing Christmas bubbles to a single day.

Many questioned whether the non-essential shopping rules would bring the same chaos as the country’s 17-day firebreak lockdown in October.

Pictures today emerged of Sainsbury’s in Pontypridd which blocked off non-essential sections of the store using large red barricades (pictured)

Clothing and Christmas decorations were among the areas cut off to shoppers at Sainsbury's in Pontypridd

Clothing and Christmas decorations were among the areas cut off to shoppers at Sainsbury’s in Pontypridd

The clothing section in Pontypridd's Sainsbury's was blocked off to customers with a sign urging people to buy only what is essential

The clothing section in Pontypridd’s Sainsbury’s was blocked off to customers with a sign urging people to buy only what is essential

The lockdown sparked ‘trolley police’ madness with some shoppers claiming sanitary towels and baby formula were all labelled ‘non-essential’.

Others slammed the rules for coming so close to Christmas, with many now unable to buy items such as electronics or baby clothing as presents.  

Nathan took to Twitter to ask First Minister of Wales Make Drakeford for clarity on the rules, writing: ‘Can you please clarify the position of supermarkets in wales selling non-essential items. 

‘With the new imposed tier 4 level of restrictions and non-essential shops closing. Are we under the same rules as the firebreak lockdown?’

But it seems not all supermarkets are blocking off sections of their store, as shoppers were seen browsing the clothes, toys and homeware aisles at Tesco Extra in Cardiff. Tesco are following the Government's guidelines

But it seems not all supermarkets are blocking off sections of their store, as shoppers were seen browsing the clothes, toys and homeware aisles at Tesco Extra in Cardiff. Tesco are following the Government’s guidelines

From midnight last night, Wales was thrust into a full lockdown - forcing all non-essential shops to close their doors and slashing Christmas bubbles to a single day. Pictured: A closed shopping arcade in Cardiff

From midnight last night, Wales was thrust into a full lockdown – forcing all non-essential shops to close their doors and slashing Christmas bubbles to a single day. Pictured: A closed shopping arcade in Cardiff

Workers removed Christmas decorations from Christmas markets on the Hayes in Cardiff today

Workers removed Christmas decorations from Christmas markets on the Hayes in Cardiff today

A man walked past a Cardiff cafe with a Merry Christmas sign on December 20 after all non-essential shops were forced to shut

A man walked past a Cardiff cafe with a Merry Christmas sign on December 20 after all non-essential shops were forced to shut

He added: ‘God forbid my Nan needs a new duvet over the lockdown period as Asda Aberdare have restrictions on certain items – but if she needed a whisk we’re in luck. 

‘Maybe more clarity was needed before you plunged us back into chaos.’

Mel Wright wrote: ‘You made a statement to the children of Wales that Santa will still be able to visit. 

‘Please don’t stop supermarkets from selling non-essential items so that parents that still need to can buy Christmas presents. Not everyone can online shop.’ 

Joel Williams said: ‘Supermarkets across Wales are being told to cordon off certain shopping aisles and not sell “non essential” items.

‘This crazy decision by Welsh Government erodes the faith and trust the public have in the politicians making these important decisions.’

Others shared pictures of the huge queues forming outside supermarkets as panicked Christmas shoppers rushed to buy their gifts. 

Many pointed out that parents would be waiting for payday on December 21 before buying presents for their children. 

Naomi Wolf added: ‘How does removing non-essential items help public health if folks are shopping anyway for “essential items”? 

‘Non-essential items protect public health by allowing shop owners who are not Amazon, to eat and have shelter. Are there ANY studies about “shopping for nonessential items”?’

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: ‘In line with the Welsh government’s guidance we are limiting sales in our stores to food and other essential items only.’

But it seems not all supermarkets are blocking off sections of their store, as shoppers were seen browsing the clothes, toys and homeware aisles at Tesco Extra in Cardiff. 

Tesco are following the Government’s guidelines. 

Boris Johnson yesterday revealed that a third of England – including London and swathes of the home counties – would be thrust into Tier 4 lockdown from midnight on Saturday to get to grips with a mutant Covid strain running rampant in the south. 

The Welsh government previously broke ranks with the rest of the UK by scaling back Christmas bubbles, in effect from December 23 to 27, from three to two households.

And last night First Minister Mark Drakeford said its Level 4 lockdown will come into effect from midnight yesterday, rather than waiting until December 28.

The latest evidence suggests this new strain is present throughout Wales,’ Mr Drakeford said. ‘The situation is incredibly serious. I cannot overstate this.

‘We have therefore reached the difficult decision to bring forward the alert level four restrictions for Wales, in line with the action being taken in London and the South East of England.

‘These new restrictions will come into effect from midnight tonight instead of during the Christmas period.

‘This will mean non-essential retail, close contact services, gyms and leisure centres and hospitality will close at the end of trading today. Stay-at-home restrictions will also come into effect from midnight.’ 

Categories
Canada

Health restrictions: help for non-essential businesses that have to close during the holidays

Health restrictions: help for non-essential businesses that have to close during the holidays
Health restrictions: help for non-essential businesses that have to close during the holidays

Non-essential businesses and those offering personal service care that will have to close from December 25 to January 10 under new restrictions announced by Quebec will be able to obtain assistance.

• Read also: Health restrictions: businessman Peter Simons talks about a “fair and equitable balance”

• Read also: Another very hard blow for Quebec retailers

The Legault government said Wednesday that support measures for businesses will be extended.

Businesses that must cease their activities from December 25 to January 10, inclusive, will be eligible in January for the Assistance to businesses in regions on maximum alert (AERAM) component. This allows you to obtain a loan forgiveness of up to $ 15,000 per month (maximum of 80% of the amount of financing granted) in order to pay certain eligible fixed costs, it was said on Wednesday, in a press release. .

“In order to limit the spread of COVID-19 during this period when many will already be on leave, the Quebec government is requesting the temporary closure of certain commercial establishments. However, we remain attentive to the needs of businesses. It is important for us to continue to make adjustments to our programs in order to create a safety net. The support measures currently in place are complementary to those of the federal government and will allow our businesses to get through the crisis, ”said Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Pierre Fitzgibbon.

In addition, the Emergency Assistance Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (PAUPME) and the Temporary Concerted Action Program for Enterprises (PACTE) remain in force to fill the liquidity shortage of enterprises whose activities are severely affected by the crisis. pandemic.

“In addition, from January 1, all companies presented on the list of economic sectors targeted by a closure order (COVID-19), except those located in the green zone, will be able to benefit from the AERAM component of the PACTE and the PAUPME, we said. The government is thus extending emergency aid to many businesses, such as restaurants and bars, which are experiencing difficulties in the orange and yellow zones. ”