Shoppers are being encouraged to take caution against the Omicron variant this weekend whilst supporting independent businesses on Small Business Saturday.
Taking place on the first Saturday of December every year, Small Business Saturday aims to give local businesses a helping hand in the run up to Christmas following similar commercial holidays such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Councillor Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “Sefton is lucky to have a range of one-off and specialist shops and businesses, many of which will have been hard-hit by the effects of the pandemic.
“I would urge people across the Borough and beyond thinking about doing some Christmas shopping this weekend to try and make those purchases locally.”
However Atkinson strongly advised all shoppers this weekend to comply with the new government guidelines and wear face coverings indoors and on public transport.
Atkinson said: “Wearing a face masks in indoor public spaces such as shops and public transport, is now required and is what we have been advising people to do all along.”
There were 2 deaths within 28 days of a positive test for coronavirus reported last week in Sefton. 207,809 people in Sefton have had two Coronavirus vaccine doses and our booster programme is well under way.
She added: “For most of us putting on a mask takes no effort at all and a global study has shown that face coverings provide us and those around us with the best non-clinical protection available.”
The Welcome Southport 