NE Lincolnshire Public Health Leader appeals to retailers and shoppers
The council's asking local residents to follow the social distancing guidance as retail opens back up at the end of the national lockdown
In an open plea to both retailers and residents, Steve Pintus, the Director of Public Health for North East Lincolnshire is welcoming the re-start of trading from Wednesday 2nd December:
“It is most welcome that non-essential shops will be able to open their doors again. However, the perfect storm of the build up to Christmas and the end of national lockdown is likely to mean a significant number of shoppers will be out and about in the coming weeks.
“Though this is hugely important to the local economy, what is equally important is our adherence to the national guidance regarding social distancing hygiene and the wearing of face masks.
“I must urge all of you to make sure that your customers are encouraged to follow the guidance when in your shops and if necessary when queuing to enter your store.”
The council says customers should remember to maintain distance from each other when they are out shopping, and respect any guidance in place in shops regarding flow of customers, or barriers.
Mr Pintus added:
“This is a collective effort we are embarked on, to get our rates as low as we possibly can before people enter their Christmas bubbles. The lower the rate of transmission within our communities the greater the likelihood that become eligible for further lifting of restrictions.”
As part of the support package for retailers, there are free materials available directly from North East Lincolnshire council’s Covid support team in terms of posters and floor markings. The team is also there to support shops who want advice on how to create COVID-secure areas.