The UK government has announced further lifting of lockdown starting July 4th, allowing for greater freedom to people’s movement and more businesses reopening. Starting Saturday, cinemas, museums, bars, pubs and restaurants will officially be allowed to open their doors to the public once again after at least three months of coronavirus-induced lockdown.
Other public places such as public places, such as libraries, community centres, places of worship, outdoor playgrounds and outdoor gyms will also be able to open. Businesses permitted to reopen will be mandated to follow Covid-19 Secure guidelines. This decision came as a relief to many businesspersons whose companies and staff members were hugely affected by the pandemic. However, businesses such as nightclubs, casinos, tattoo parlours, dance studios, door gyms, and conference centres are still incurring heavy losses as they were assessed to be not-sufficiently-Covid-secure yet.
Is the situation safer now?
On June 22nd, the UK saw its lowest Covid-19 related daily death toll at 15 deaths, leading UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock to declare that the virus was “in retreat” in the country. However, an ‘alternative SAGE' panel of experts, led by former chief scientific adviser Sir David King, has been strongly critical of this response of the government during the pandemic. The panel, which is separate from the team of experts who advise the government, warned on June 27th that the country is on track to suffer another 30,000 coronavirus deaths because lockdown has been lifted too early. Christina Pagel, a member of Independent SAGE, spoke of the government’s recent move: “They are sending a message that the pandemic is over – and it's not over”.
Lockdown in Leicester
Leicester will not be subject to easing of restrictions on July 4th, and a spike in coronavirus cases there has led to a report that it may be the first location in the country to be subjected to a district lockdown. Britain’s first local lockdown in this city is expected “within days” following the surge in coronavirus cases, as reported by The Sunday Times on June 28th. Home Secretary Priti Patel also confirmed on Sunday morning that there will be extra support going into Leicester. She said: “With local flare-ups it is right we have a localised solution in terms of infection control, social distancing, testing and many of the tools actually within the Public Health England space which will come together to control the virus, to stop the spread so obviously we can get on top of the infection”. Responding to the Government decision to lockdown Leicester, Liberal Democrat Health, Wellbeing and Social Care Spokesperson Munira Wilson said: “It is right that the Government has now taken the step of locking down Leicester. Reports that tracers at a local level are not yet able to get the data they need to do their job are extremely concerning”. The government’s decision to allow for greater movement looks dangerous in the face of expected localised lockdowns in the country. Reportedly, some other areas of the UK have also already begun to see local spikes and 36 cities and counties face the risk of being put back into lockdown. The schools in areas where there is a large population of Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) residents should also be allowed to open later, the Local Government Association (LGA) has demanded. The need of the hour is the assessment of the future of all social and economic aspects of the country’s citizens, as due to Leicester’s further lockdown people are worried that they may undergo a reversal of this countrywide unlock.
How will this move affect Asian business owners?
Business Secretary Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP said: “Our pubs, restaurants and cafes are the lifeblood of high streets and town centres across the country and we are doing all we can to ensure they can bounce back as quickly and safely as possible…We are introducing new legislation to enable businesses to make the most of the crucial summer months ahead”. Since the lifting of restrictions is primarily aimed as opening of businesses and refuelling the economy, Asian Voice spoke to several business owners of the Asian community in the UK across sectors and they voiced their concerns regarding their fears of another wave of lockdown, expectations from customers after reopening, and expected support from the government.
Sona, Tattoo Artist
Fearing another lockdown, Sona, who is a tattoo artist and already maintains a pristine level of hygiene in her work, Portraits by Sona, said, “Personally I’d rather wait until the second wave is over before we open again but I know for many tattoo artists who don’t have a sideline job that this will be a struggle financially so I hope they open soon.” She calls herself a fairly new tattoo artist who was just getting into the swing of things. “I’m sure I’ll get back into it fairly easily but it was a shame to lose the momentum. I swapped tattoos for drawings when the lockdown happened so financially I was just about ok. Luckily I have a good client base many of whom were waiting for my drawing books to open anyway. You have to see the positives right?!” she said. Dealing with extra precautionary measures before she reopens, she said, “We are focusing on getting the right PPE equipment in - gloves are always plentiful in our studio but we will also have masks and room dividers if necessary when we open. Customers will be asked to wash their hands and wear a mask when they enter. Hygiene is always top-notch in our studio anyway.” Sona expressed her concerns with the customers once she reopens, “I just hope clients are honest about their health and hygiene. We can take their temperatures but that’s it really. If we feel that a customer is not following our guidelines or appears to be ill then we will absolutely have to terminate the session” Sona feels that the government has provided a lot of help for small businesses financially. However, artists are now beginning to struggle more. Tattoo shops are among the most hygienic places you can find so it doesn’t really make sense to keep them closed if they are happy to open pubs where people will be drinking in crowds and definitely not social distancing after a pint or two! “Sadly I’m guessing the virus will be spread more than ever on the evening of the 4th of July,” she said.
Kinnari Patel, Salon Owner of ‘Kinnari’s’
Kinnari’s business involves primary contact between two people which is both a huge challenge and a responsibility to provide satisfactory services as well as ensure the protection of the staff and customer. Kinnari said, “We faced a huge loss especially during EID . It was an absolute mess. It was really unfortunate and devastating. We are hoping to be back on track and expecting our old customers to come back as well as expecting new customers fingers crossed.” Fearing another lockdown might strike unexpectedly, she said, “We absolutely fear that there will be a second lockdown as I read news about Leicester going into a second lockdown. And London being a big and populated city we are hoping and praying not to have a second lockdown. And we fear that there will be a second lockdown. We fear customers' behaviour as it’s really easy to shoot and post things online nowadays . We are hoping communities understand and help each other and they speak to owners if they notice something is wrong or we lack something.” Kinnari said that she would like to thank chancellor MR Rishi Sunak and PM Boris Johnson and their furlough scheme business is surviving for now. “Government has also helped us with a Grant but still keeping customers safe in mind spending will be more than actually profit,” she said. Kinnari will comply with the government’s guidelines and in regards to opening from 4th July , she said, “The government has only instructed to open hair salons. Beauty Treatments are still now allowed to resume. Let’s hope we get back to normal soon.”
Bhav Patel, owner of retail store, Toy Galaxy
Another Leicester business owner, Bhav Patel who runs a retail toy store, fears another lockdown. He said, “Given the current developments in Leicester, I do feel there will be more regional lockdowns across the UK. With my retail stores located across different boroughs, this something we almost must be prepared for.” Patel discussed the significant losses due to COVID: “Naturally the biggest losses for us as a business was the loss of retail trade during the lockdown. Having retail stores with stocked shelves as we were gearing up towards Easter has been the hardest part. The loss of trade leaves a significant gap in your cash flow which of course impacts the entire business.” When asked if the situation has improved since he has reopened, he said, “Since we have reopened, things slowly seem to be getting back to normality. Footfall is still significantly lower on the high street in comparison to pre-lockdown but that is almost expected as the confidence to return to the shops is not fully with consumers as yet. Average basket value is higher which of course is a positive, so those consumers that are out are spending, which shines some light at the end of the tunnel.” He also expressed his biggest concern regarding customers after reopening. “My biggest concern was the safety of customers and staff. As a business, we ensured we did everything possible to inform customers to socially distance including large banners, floor markings as well as a staff member situated at the door to control the flow of people but the concern lies with those customers not willing to cooperate which then poses a threat to staff members of the customers that are sticking to the rules,” he said. Discussing the government’s contribution to business schemes etc, Patel said that he does believe that the Government has gone to great lengths to help businesses see through this period during lockdown but greater damage has been done to the economy. He said, “This will likely be evident in the months ahead and I strongly believe that for consumer confidence and more importantly for spending to increase there may have to be a temporary cut or holiday on VAT to help stimulate the economy.” Contemplating an increase in footfall post the easing of restrictions, Bhav said, “As more restrictions ease, it edges a little closer to returning to normality. 4th July will essentially see the remainder of most shops reopen on the high street along with hospitality and some leisure. This, in turn, should increase footfall as it forces more people to return to the high street.”
Ash Mukherjee, owner of Ash Dance Theatre
Ash lost out on a European tour alongside having numerous performances being cancelled in London and all across the UK. The university and studio where he teaches, also had to close down resulting in a significant loss of artistic creation and earning. He fears a second lockdown. “The beaches have been packed where I am based and perhaps despite the best of intentions, social distancing etiquette seems to have gone downhill in certain places. One of the classes I teach is a dance as an exercise in wellness for the over 50’s. As their health and safety is my number one concern we are looking at having the classes conducted strictly online. Some dance styles and levels obviously require body contact and in person interactions and therefore online classes are not ideal for them.” In the times of social distancing, “Luckily the style that I teach requires minimum body contact so I am able to conduct classes on Zoom and still keep our local dance community going. Some studios have been very helpful to us tutors in helping us advertise the classes even if we are not able to use their facilities for the foreseeable future. We do intend to go and have a few socially distant dance class events on the beach this summer. That way health, safety and the financial viability required to run a large community class are both considered,” he said. Mukherjee shared his concerns regarding customers after reopening: “Their health and safety and above all their peace of mind. Dance cannot happen well when the mind is not at rest. We must learn ways to integrate the social distancing measures in a viable and considerate way for that to happen.” Ash discussed how arts have come under ‘non essential skills’. However, he states that it is the arts and wellness that comes from its practice that has the ability to lift the morale of the nation. “I feel that there is always room for more dialogue on this subject and inspired action as a result of it. To really listen to the unique and individual needs of each community now is more important than ever. The lockdown has brought with it its own set of adjustment challenges and people’s mental and emotional well-being has suffered immensely as a result. Socially isolated does not have to mean socially disconnected. For people who live alone, a weekly online dance class can be a lifeline to keep in touch with their friends and move and breathe in a healthy way. Thanks to the proactive and tireless work of some dance tutors and producers over the last few months, the Arts Council and the Govt are slowly beginning to integrate this shift and are creating funds so that these well being resources can eventually be available for a larger demographic. But the battle is far from over,” said Ash.
Pritha, Restaurant owner - Posto Indian Bistro
Pritha, who runs Posto Indian Bistro, feels that a second lockdown will completely devastate the hospitality industry. “We might need to shut doors permanently,” she said. “To keep the restaurant closed for over 3 months and large scale party/ catering orders have completely dried up. To start with for the first month we are planning to open for takeaway only and a couple outdoors sitting with disposable menus, condiments and with a more intense cleaning /hygiene rota,” she explained. Sharing her fears regarding the reopening, she said, “Footfall will be down by 50% and customers will miss the pre-Covid restaurant experience of celebration & bonding.” She does feel that the government has helped a lot. “However a key fear for us is rent piling up. The government could have created clear guidelines for commercial landlords & banks holding mortgages on commercial properties,” said Pritha. She is looking forward to the re-opening. She said, “We are planning to open the following week as some structural Covid safety work is still pending.”
Michelin-starred Chef Akhtar Islam
Michelin-starred chef Akhtar Islam is all set to reopen Opheem and Pulperia on Saturday, July 4, but with some changes that will abide by the precautionary principles of social distancing. "Our tables at Opheem are about two metres apart anyway which is the kind of place I'd always wanted," he told the Birmingham Mail. According to his conversation with Birmingham Mail, on March 1 he had bookings for the next six weeks but then he had to close after 11 days. The chef plans to have four dinner services per week from Wednesday to Saturday and two lunches at Opheem. He will be cooking himself at this restaurant. Akhtar has taken the decision to reopen after carefully considering the guidelines released by the government. He is okay to operate a 40 percent capacity to start with.
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Asian Voice asked these non-essential business owners if being Asian, and with BAME people more affected, do they fear being discriminated against as a service provider? Here’s what some of them had to say:
Kinnari Patel, Salon Owner of ‘Kinnari’s’
“To be honest I have been running this business for the last 13 years and as a business woman we don’t discriminate . All ethnicities are welcomed here and luckily we have never faced any discrimination as an owner.”
Sona, Tattoo Artist
“I don’t think so personally. I have been lucky enough to have been taking many new tattoo bookings during lockdown (for when we open) from people of all backgrounds. There are always people who will discriminate but I’m not sure that it will be any different.”
Ash Mukherjee, owner of Ash Dance Theatre
“I don’t fear any discrimination on a personal level since I know my client base quite well and they are extremely loyal and enthusiastic to learn Indian dance styles. They love the feeling of interconnected euphoria and zen like relaxation they get after a garba or Ghoomar based workout. More importantly I know that they know it is correct social distancing precautions that will prevent the spread of the Covid virus and not racial discrimination. Racism is not a health prevention measure. It is pure discrimination. I cannot say for other parts in the UK what the attitude and situation may be. I naturally hope that it has a positive outcome for all dance practitioners and their students, BAME or otherwise.”
Pritha, Restaurant owner - Posto Indian Bistro
“Not really as we are in Harrow which has a highly diverse community with a high BAME percentage. A major section of our customers are BAME as well.”
Bhav Patel, owner of retail store, Toy Galaxy
“I do fear that with more spikes likely in localised areas, BAME people need to be extra cautious going forward to prevent the spread within communities. Discrimination is absolutely not okay but its also people natural instructs to protect themselves and their families so we must ensure we do everything in our power to not put ourselves at risk to this virus.”
