There is uncertainty among local businesses about the impact of so-called Plan B as they still try to recover from the effect of previous lockdowns.

Measures introduced by Government in a bid to combat the more transmissible Omicron variant of Covid include a return to working from home, and the mandatory use of Covid passes for access to large venues.

Last Friday, face coverings became compulsory in most public indoor venues, including cinemas, theatres and places of worship, but not gyms, bars or restaurants.

John Terry, artistic director of Chipping Norton Theatre, said they, along with a number of other venues in Oxfordshire, took the decision a few days earlier to introduce mandatory mask wearing.

He said: “We thought it was time with the rise in cases and it was quite a relief to have that backed up.

“Audiences seem absolutely fine with it. We haven’t had any negative feedback, we’re just trying to get the message right and make it feel like it’s not going to spoil the event for people.

“We’re very busy, we’ve got three Christmas shows on this year and we have a lot of children coming. If it helps to give a few extra people the confidence to come that’s great.”

 

Hospitality businesses wanted to reassure customers that their venues are safe places to visit.

David Cumberlidge, Pod Director of Peach Pubs, which owns The Fleece gastropub on Church Green, said they had "seen smaller groups and gatherings this year".

“Being positive around being safe has always been at the forefront of what we do and we will continue to keep guests and our team safe and have measures in place," he said. "We will continue to focus on delivering great hospitality, with our extremely high hygiene and safety standards, as well as adding additional measures."

However, other restaurateurs said they were concerned some people will stop going out as cases rise.

Luke Champion, co-owner at The Hollybush, said: "We’ve seen a small percentage, maybe 5 per cent, of cancellations on Christmas bookings and more people asking about the conditions of cancelling.

"One customer used the term 'now it’s all kicked off again' and it’s really disappointing to hear people use that language. People who are cancelling say they are nervous about being in public. We are trying to accommodate these concerns as much as we possibly can, highlighting our garden dining houses which are heated, self-contained spaces so good for those who don’t want to mix with others."

Meanwhile shops said previous lockdowns had taken a toll and more restrictions might lead to a further fall in shoppers.

Mark Sharman, manager of Rapture record store, said: “To be fair trade has never really recovered from the last one. Our lunchtime and evening trade from last year are so different from what they used to be. There’s no trade after 4pm and people used to come in after work or school.

“I don’t think it’s to do with online shopping. If you look at footfall, all the cafes close at 4pm, I guess the reason is, like us, there’s not a lot of afternoon trade.”

And Ed O’Brien, owner of Hunters Cake Café, said the effects of more restrictions were difficult to predict.

He said: “It’s difficult for us in hospitality, probably more for restaurants than cafes. With people who usually work in Oxford working from home in Witney we might actually get more takeaways.

“We started doing deliveries last year and they really went down in the summer but have picked up again in the last couple of weeks.”