As of Monday, pubs and restaurants in England can start serving people food and drink outdoors, in what has been one of the most anticipated stages of ending lockdown.
However, environmental experts say reopening for outdoor dining only could cause a spike in air pollution from gas-burning patio heaters.
Gas-burning heaters emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) – a family of poisonous, highly reactive gases, warns Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).
NOx includes nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which can lead to health issues like inflaming airways while aggravating existing heart and lung diseases.
Using a single outdoor gas heater for five hours a day every day produces the same amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution as that produced by a typical gas-heated home in a year, EDF says.
Covid lockdown rules lifted: Revellers return to pubs for first night of freedom after rules eased
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Matfen Jean Conteh Has your job been disrupted because of the lockdowns? Are you looking for work or facing the need to change jobs? If so, you can join a series of webinars organised by Community Action Northumberland (CAN). These Employability Webinars are suitable for anyone recently made redundant or who has been out of work for some time. They’re happening every Monday, starting at 10am, and cover a range of subjects such as coping with unemployment, preparing for interviews and so on. Find out more by emailing juliaplinston@ca-north.org.uk or phoning 07340 082571. The lockdowns have made many of us feel isolated and anxious, and the webinars are giving both emotional support and help with the practicalities of looking for a job.
Bardon Mill Bob & Mike Duckett The snow is gone for now and we’ve even enjoyed some hot sunny days already. So while it was good hearing the laughter from children sledging, and impressive to spot one neighbour even trying out skis, it’s going to be a positive relief to see the signs of Spring as they come along. This week the cool white of snowdrops are joined - and will soon be overtaken by - the bright yellows of daffodils, and also of winter aconites which brighten up my walk through Beltingham. We must have thousands of bulbs coming up across the area and thanks are owed to all our neighbours who have made that effort to brighten up our daily views. I’ve even spotted some folk doing litter picks on their daily walks, which is a habit I too should take up.
THE news that we are soon to be allowed back to into pubs and restaurants was welcomed across Northumberland. And ahead of the big day, we asked readers of the Hexham Courant online which establishments they were most looking forward to revisiting once lockdown is lifted. THE CROWN INN, HUMSHAUGH Debra Potts said: The Crown Inn, Humshaugh. Fantastic staff, service and food. Can t wait.” Amy Ord agreed, saying: “The Crown Inn, Humshaugh. Great people, great beer, great food, awesome all round.” Greg Lewins added: “The Crown Inn, Humshaugh. Been making the most of their great takeaway service but can t wait to be able to sit in again.”
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