BUSINESSES across Weymouth and Dorchester have been boosted by news 'Plan B' Covid measures will be scrapped by the Government - as they said it 'will be good to get back to normal'.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the end of all measures introduced to combat the Omicron variant from January 27, including Covid Passports for nightclubs and large venues, compulsory mask-wearing on public transport and in shops, guidance to work from home and vaccine certificates.
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Jamie Crage, owner of The Closet, said previously the main issue the venue had to contend with in December was with the controversial Covid Passport system.
He said most people 'did not know' what they were supposed to do, and what details to provide.
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However, the Government have now scrapped these measures to the joy of pubs across the area.
Manager of The Waterloo pub in Weymouth, Dawn Axe said: "We had all the preparations in place in case Covid Passports were introduced.
"It's a relief all measures are being lifted because Covid has been exhausting.
"It'll be good to get things back to normal, but people should encourage others to remain careful."
Weymouth resident Duncan New, a regular at The Waterloo, said: "It's the right time to get rid of restrictions.
"I do think a lot of people will keep sanitising and even wear masks after restrictions have been lifted because they're used to it now."
Claire Aldrich, landlady at the Sydney Arms, said: "Getting things back to normal is what we want, but that doesn't mean we should forget about Covid-19.
"A sense of normality is a positive thing."
Ms Aldrich spoke of her relief that the Covid Passport system - which it had been feared would be introduced at pubs in future - would be scrapped.
"I agree the Covid Passports could have been another nail in the coffin to the pub industry," she said.
"People can choose not to have the vaccine and that's their choice, but using that passport system - as well as monitoring customers inside our venue - could have been very difficult."
David Herbert is the Aspirations Academies Trust CEO overseeing schools including Atlantic Academy on Portland, and Budmouth Academy in Weymouth.
He said: ''We have followed the Government's guidance from the start and will continue to do so following the latest announcement.
''We will now be advising our students that masks are no longer a Government recommendation in classrooms from tomorrow.
"The recommendation that face coverings be worn in communal areas will also no longer apply as of next Thursday.''
Dorset Chamber chief executive, Ian Girling said: "This is excellent news.
"It's a very welcome and positive announcement which will be a shot in the arm for many businesses in Dorset and the local economy.
"We need to get back to work and back to business. Temporary working arrangements have been manageable, but we need to get our people back into their workplaces.
"Although we must remain vigilant, we can’t dodge this forever and must take what we have learned from the past two years and move forward.
"Personally, I'm pleased and want to see Dorset businesses back firing on all cylinders as soon as possible."
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