A CHESTER city centre hospitality business has spoken of its disappointment after the announcement Covid restrictions have been extended by four weeks.

The Prime Minister confirmed on Monday, June 14 that the initial proposed date of June 21 for the easing of all remaining Covid restrictions would be delayed by at least four weeks, due to the increasing threat of the Delta variant, which now makes up about 85 per cent of confirmed Covid cases in Cheshire West and Chester.

It means what is now being touted as 'Freedom Day' in England will be no earlier than July 19.

While most hospitality businesses were able to reopen from May 17, social distancing measures are still in place, reducing the capacity of venues. It has also meant large groups cannot book en masse for a big function or occasion.

The continuation of Covid measures has been described as "a huge blow" by Zoe Ellis, owner of Palm cocktail bar and eaterie on Watergate Street.

She said: "Whilst the latest update hasn’t come as a shock, it has come as a disappointment.

"For months now we’ve been focused on this date [June 21], with the data up until recently setting us on course to have a huge full reopening and, to be told one week before this can no longer go ahead, is a huge blow.

"Staff will have been told they are coming back to work, in site plans and marketing done to push for the reopening and to have all that done with nothing at the end will have a huge impact.

"Hospitality now has a giant task ahead of it as we figure out how to push forward with this new normal and shift our businesses to make them suitable to what the current situation is.

"Many business owners will be looking to the government for guidance and support as we continue to have the most restrictions placed upon our industry compared to any other.

"We need reassurance, proof of data and a definite route out of this to have confidence that our sector and individual businesses can survive."

The Prime Minister delayed the easing of restrictions to the rising threat of the Delta variant of Covid, which has seen case rates soar in several parts of the UK, including in Cheshire West and Chester.

From an infection rate of five per 100,000 last month, the current infection rate for the borough stands at over 110.

It is hoped the extra four weeks will give enough time to show whether the increased number of cases will lead to increased hospital admissions – with very early data showing this is largely not the case, unlike the previous Covid waves.

It would also allow for more people to receive their Covid vaccinations. Those aged 23 or over can now book their first vaccination, while over 40s are being encouraged to bring forward the date of their second vaccine dose if possible by rebooking their appointment.