Businesses in Lerwick town centre are delighted to be welcoming customers through their doors once again. Expect some changes to your shopping or eating out experience. We have put together some guidance to help you know what to expect, based on Government advice.
Shops on Commercial Street re-opened for trade from Monday 29th June. Many now have screens in place at counter points, one way systems around the store and all will have hand sanitiser at the door, which all customers should use on entry. There may be a separate exit in some shops and some sales staff will already be wearing face coverings or visors during your visit.
There area few other things we would like you to do:
- Be patient - there may be queues inside or outside some premises. Please be patient with staff who are doing their best to accommodate the new procedures and serve you as best they can
- Avoid shopping at busy time or in large groups - there is limited space in some shops. Even if you are part of the same household, limit the numbers of people entering a property together
- Follow signage and individual rules in shops or other premises - risk assessments have been carried out to ensure your safety, and that of other customers and staff. Please follow the specific measures in place for each premises.
After Friday 10th July - Cover Up
From Friday 10th July it will be mandatory to wear a face-covering inside shops and other indoor spaces where physical distancing is more difficult. A face covering does not mean a surgical or other medical grade mask but a covering of the mouth and nose that is made of cloth or other textiles and through which you can breathe. Children under 5 and those with a health condition or disabilty which prevents them from safely wearing a face covering are exempt.
Eating and Drinking
From Monday 6th July, cafes, bars and other establishments are able to provide outdoor seating areas to customers. There is still a 2metre physical distancing requirement for now, althought it is expected this will be relaxed in the coming days.
Please be aware that if you choose to enjoy your meal or drink on the premises of a hospitality provider, you will be asked to provide contact details for the lead person in your party. The gathering of contact information from customers by hospitality businesses, in a secure and safe manner, will assist NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect service to identify any clusters of cases, contact those who may have been exposed to the virus, and request them to take appropriate steps to prevent the potential onward spread of the virus. This could involve asking individuals to self-isolate for 14 days.
The date and time of your visit along with your name and telephone number (or address / email if you do not have a telephone number) will be held by the business for 21 days. This will only shared securely with NHS Scotland if there is a confirmed case of the virus identified to have been on the premises at the same time as you.
Indoor hospitality areas are expected to open from Wednesday 15th July and conact details will be gathered from all customers accessing these premises too.
- Remember the FACTS:
Face coverings in enclosed spaces
Avoid crowded places
Clean your hands and surfaces regularly
Two-metre social distancing
Self-isolate and book a test if you develop coronavirus symptoms