Really?

So we’re being forcibly shut again, here at nkd ( ) Nottingham.

This time with less than a day and a half’s notice.

And how did we find out about this shocking news? Because a client kindly rang us and alerted us to a news update that had just popped up on the Nottingham Post’s website.

So despite the fact that Nottingham’s sky high case numbers have been a cause of national government concern – and a topic of much discussion – for the whole of the last month, businesses like ours are given less than 2 days’ notice and not even given the courtesy of any kind of formal notification.

Really? After the way we’ve already been treated during this whole affair?

This means that the fine folk of Nottingham can continue going to the gym with zero PPE and can pant and heavy breathe all they like over fellow gym goers.

Or they can choose to sit and breathe the same air as a significant number of other diners in pubs and restaurants across the whole county, again with no masks and no other form of facial protection while they’re seated.

Apart from anything else, think of the amount of touchpoints in both those kind of establishments.

But they’re not allowed to come, fully masked up, to a beauty salon, where there are NEVER any crowds, where there’s NEVER more than two people in a room, there are already strict hygiene protocols in place and there are very few cross-contamination touchpoints.

Seriously, how does that work?

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t want any business in Notts or anywhere else to suffer, and I know that gyms, pubs and restaurants have followed guidelines and done what has been asked of them/taken responsible steps to minimise risk. I’m not saying that they too should be forced to close.

But I am saying that it’s not fair that these restrictions are yet again being placed on tattoo parlours, and nail, tanning and beauty salons. Our businesses are without a doubt lower-risk than the type of businesses I mention above, so why are we being targeted in this way?

In theory, a review of Nottingham’s “Tier 3 Plus” restrictions as they’re now being referred to will take place in 28 days’ time. But given the persistent contempt and disrespect shown towards industries such as ours, I dread to think how long this situation could go on for, and how any future communication will be managed.

Thanks Number 10. Yet again, you’ve shown a real compassion for the people. A real empathy for business owners and residents outside of Westminster. A real respect for everyone who is trying their damned hardest to get through this nightmare without losing everything they have worked so incredibly hard for, for so long. We appreciate it.

nkd