This is how Farmer Copleys has adjusted to the new way of working as cases rise

New coronavirus rules brought in at the end of last week mean families and friends have more limitations on how they can spend time together and businesses are having to be more creative to keep afloat.

The rules – which include stricter policies on masks, opening hours, and test and trace – were brought in as the government’s chief scientific advisor warned we could see 50,000 cases and 200 deaths a day by mid-October.

But while the streets were less busy over the weekend than before, people are finding ways to live with the situation.

Farm shop and cafe Farmer Copleys, on Pontefract Road, took longer than many businesses to reopen and has been adjusting to the changing guidelines.

Director Heather Copley said: “The cafe has been incredibly popular since we reopened and people who visit have commented on how safe they felt – something we’ve had some really amazing feedback.”

“With last week’s news we now have signs on the door reminding of mask wearing until seated and when visiting the toilets etc and our greeter is there to remind people too.

“Both our wonderful staff and customers have been on the whole very understanding of the ever changing situation, which has helped make everyone’s trip to Moo Café a safe and pleasant one”

Alleyczam Cafe & Bar in Pontefract is one of the businesses that has had to quickly adapt.

Proprietor Caroline Andrews-Bairstow said: “We have adopted table service only and all staff have worn masks whilst in close proximity to customers right from reopening”.

“Unfortunately to get enough distance between tables we have had to remove a third of our seating and have adopted a back to back approach to mitigate the risk of Covid 19 spread.

“We also fitted a sensor light to our toilets to indicate when they are occupied or not.

“Customers have responded pretty well to the new mask wearing rules although we are constantly reminding them to put their masks on when using the toilets.

“We are also helping a lot of our less tech-savvy customers to download the NHS Covid-19 app and showing them how to check in using the QR code.

“Most customers have been fabulous, we have just had the odd one not wanting to do track and trace, but they usually come round in the end.

“We are finding that people have got used to booking a table as we are often fully at lunchtime. This helps us manage the flow of customers better”.

Michael Pennock, proprietor of Cromwell’s Tea Rooms at Maud’s Yard in Pontefract said customers have adapted well to the new rules.

He said: “We have been constantly monitoring the government guidelines and implementing measures accordingly.

“This past week we have implemented the QR codes and compulsory face coverings along with all the other Covid measures we already have in place.

“All our customers have been very supportive and brilliant at following all the measures we implement.”

Pontefract Civic Society chairman Paul Cartwright said: “Being innovative, embracing technology, and accepting that change is essential are all ways that businesses in Pontefract have ensured they are not simply surviving, but shifting to being sustainable in the toughest of economic climates in a century”.