Metrocentre reveals rules and hygiene measures that will be in place to keep people safe when more shops reopen

Two of the North East’s biggest shopping centres have outlined how they will keep customers and staff safe when more outlets reopen next month.
The MetrocentreThe Metrocentre
The Metrocentre

Shops classed as selling essential items, such as food and housewares, have been allowed to remain open during the coronavirus lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday that non-essential outlets would be able to reopen from the middle of June – provided they comply with the Government’s rules to reduce the risk of infection.

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Now intu, which owns Gateshead’s Metrocentre, has outlined how it will safely support a gradual reopening.

Metrocentre bosses have revealed how they plan to keep people safe after lockdownMetrocentre bosses have revealed how they plan to keep people safe after lockdown
Metrocentre bosses have revealed how they plan to keep people safe after lockdown

The plan to keep visitors and staff safe includes new social distancing and hygiene procedures and more support to help brands safely reopen their stores.

It includes:

– Limiting the number of people allowed into the centres at a time.

- Closing some parking bays to limit the numbers of cars and visitors.

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- One-way systems to walk around the centre highlighted with floor stickers

- Trained staff to ensure visitors stay socially distanced.

- Hand sanitiser stations at entrances and throughout the centre.

- PPE for staff.

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Enhanced hygiene regimes that were introduced at the start of the outbreak will continue, with more deep cleaning of key areas and touchpoints such as escalators, toilets and keypads.

Matthew Roberts, chief executive of intu, said: “Experts from across intu have formed a specialist taskforce who have considered everything we need to run intu Metrocentre and our others centres as safely as possible, with a series of central, common principles for the portfolio and individual plans for each centre.

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“This includes working with our brand customers and providing them with all the support they need to reopen safely, as well as new social distancing and hygiene procedures to keep everyone who visits or works in our centres safe.

“We know we cannot do this alone and everyone who visits our centres whether for work or to shop will play their part in keeping themselves and each other safe by following the official guidelines, and the instructions and safety information provided by our teams.”