New New Normal At The Newcome!

The new Coronavirus regulations are now in place at work and as confused as I am about this next phase of the 'lockdown,' like everyone else, I am doing my best to keep to the new rules; whatever they are {{{Confused Much.}}} Like most people I am finding the avalanche of directives, pronouncements and instruction a little hard to comprehend at times, but when you work behind a bar, you have little choice, but to listen, take note and follow the ground rules.

To be honest, work is carrying on in much the same vein as it always has. We have been closing at 10pm on weekdays anyway, so only our weekend times have changed. The biggest difference is the compulsory mask wearing for staff and table service for customers. I'm afraid I find this all rather ridiculous, not because I don't agree with stopping this virus in its tracks, but because the announcements don't seem to be fit for purpose. By making staff wait on tables, you are just bringing human contact to the fore, whereas previously I could keep my distance. This is really defeating the Governments plan for everyone to socially distance. Granted we are all wearing face coverings, but these are not of a medical grade and no mask is foolproof.

All of us at the Newcome are following the Governments word, as are our customers. Despite being a small public house in Fratton, we have been instrumental in opening the doors to the local community and trying to get back to a semblance of normality. I have enjoyed seeing familiar faces and new customers, as well as work colleagues and friends, after a time when all of us were locked down, rarely leaving our homes. Without decisive action all of us will be right back at square one. I am however still of the opinion, we failed to do what was necessary at the beginning of this pandemic. We are where we are, and we all have to work together now, to help bring this virus down to manageable levels.

In Portsmouth, we have been better than most cities and regions in adhering to the guidelines and our transmission rates are low. Nevertheless, none of us who work at the Newcome are complacent and have done our best to overcome the difficulties surrounding this pandemic and the new working practices implemented. This is yet another period where we need to be vigilant, careful and continually stringent with our hygiene and social distancing. Working in the pub is a particularly dangerous environment at the moment, but with everyone standing together, (socially distanced of course,) we will eventually subjugate this challenging time and get back to the way things were!

I am well versed in what I can and can't do now at work, but when our own Prime Minister can't even remember the rules himself, it doesn't bode well for the future. I have a feeling we are all heading for another national lockdown soon, because a small minority are failing in their duty to comply with the current restrictions. Whatever you do now, think of others, not yourself; it is crucial we protect those who are most vulnerable. Wear that facemask, keep a safe distance and above all change your attitudes, then hopefully all of us can be together once again!

Stay safe....

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