Here's how The Galleries will keep staff and customers safe after lockdown

The Galleries in Washington has outlined measures it will put in place to enforce social distancing as it expects the centre to get busier this month as more shops re-open.

Only shops classed as selling essential goods – foods, medicines and housewares – have been able to open since the coronavirus lockdown started in March.

The Government announced last week that non-essential retailers will be allowed to reopen from June 15.

A spokesperson for The Galleries in Washington, said the centre had been drawing up its plans to protect customers and staff.

The plans include:

- Barriers to keep social distancing in queues

- Floor markers to direct customers around the centre

- Extra cleaning of the shopping centre

- Security staff patrolling the centre to ensure social distancing is being adhered to

A spokesperson for the shopping centre said: “We are working with retailers to develop detailed plans to ensure staff and customers will be safe around the centre and to ensure social distancing is abided by.

“We will share more in-depth instructions and safety information ahead of re-opening.

“We would like to thank the public for their patience and co-operation during this difficult time and to express appreciation to our fantastic team who are working very hard in challenging circumstances, to support our retailers, serve our communities and take care of one another.”

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