Student blog: Norwich’s Covid-19 safety in the city centre

BA (Hons) Acting students Daniella Clarke and Abigail Tacon explored Norwich city centre and reviewed the many Covid-19 precautions used by local businesses. 

Norwich is known for good student life, but the pandemic has altered how we can enjoy our spare time whilst at university. 

We explored Norwich city centre and would like to share some examples of places we feel are Covid safe for students:

1. Cafe No. 33

Cafe No. 33 is located on Exchange Street close to NUA’s buildings, and has introduced lots of safety measures. There is a one-way system and separate entrances and exits to avoid crowding.

Once you have sanitised your hands and given your name and number for Track and Trace you are shown to your table where you can then remove your mask. This is a great place for a delicious slice of homemade cake, but as they do not take reservations it’s not the place if you want a quick bite as it often attracts queues!

2. Pubs and restaurants

All pubs and restaurants have implemented the rule of six as directed by the government. Most restaurants and pubs have limited tables and provide sanitiser around the building.

A student favourite has been Wetherspoons where on arrival you must complete the Track and Trace and be wearing a mask at all times unless you are seated at a table. Like other restaurants you can order from an app on your phone.

3. Norwich Arts Centre

Norwich Arts Centre has recently reopened and is allowing live entertainment. You must book your ticket online and like most places, wear a mask at all times except when at your table. They have many safety precautions, such as one-way entries and exits.

Each table allows a maximum of four people (all from one group) and your drinks are brought to you. The live entertainment allows you to experience the thrill of a show in these unprecedented times. We hope more entertainment venues can open and abide by these measures.

4. Shops

Norwich is a great place for shopping with many well-known brands as well as lots of independent shops. Chantry Place (formerly known as Chapelfield) is one of the main shopping centres. It has sanitiser in every shop, and the shopping centre itself has sanitising stations at every entrance.

It feels more chaotic due to the one-way system being removed, but despite this, there are still precautions for a safe shopping experience. Lots of shops, like Lisa Angel, have a customer restriction on the amount of people in-store. 

Overall, we feel that Norwich is a safe place during Covid-19. Students can still go out and retain some sort of normality!

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