The Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday 25 May that all non-essential retail shops would be allowed to open on June 15 on the proviso that Coronavirus numbers continue to fall.
This is welcome news for some businesses in Paddington and what we hope will be the start of recovery in the area.
New guidance set out by government requires businesses to undertake certain measures in order to comply with social distancing and safety.
Shops should consider:
- Placing a poster in the window to demonstrate awareness of the guidance and commitment to safety measures
- Adding social distancing markings on the floor
- Limiting the number of shoppers inside the shop at any one time
- Installing plastic screens and hand sanitizing stations near exit and entrances
- Storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shop floor
- Frequent cleaning of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, including self-checkouts, coffee machines and betting terminals
- Westminster have provide floor stencil and sticker templates available for download to help ensure distance is clearly marked. Download here: Grey, Green, Green circle
These are just some and by no means all of the key measures set out and we urge you to read the full guidance. The government has produced detailed workplace-specific guidance to help ensure workplaces are as safe as possible, as well as further guidance for the retail sector on how they can reopen and operate safely to protect their staff and customers. See GOV.UK for full guidance
Businesses will only be able to open once they have completed a risk assessment, in consultation with trade union representatives or workers, and are confident they are managing the risks. They must have taken the necessary steps to become COVID-19 secure in line with the current Health and Safety legislation.
We look forward to welcoming you back.
