As businesses prepare to re-open, Birmingham City Council would like to advise businesses owners and shoppers to ensure that they remain safe and alert.
Monday 15 June will see non-essential retail open for business again across the city, but business owners and shoppers are strongly advised to ensure that they do not put themselves or others at risk and continue to follow social distancing guidelines.
Retail stores that will be re-opening are advised to ensure they put required measures in place to encourage social distancing and follow the latest Government guidelines which include:
- limit contact with other people
- keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
- wash your hands regularly
- try and keep to contactless payments
- do not congregate in groups
Image by BeansandSausages from Pixabay
Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council said: “Whilst we appreciate that businesses are keen to get back to work, it is essential to remember that we must still follow the Government’s advice and continue to safely socially distance and not do anything to put ourselves or others at risk.”
“This means that you should keep a two-metre distance from others when out and about, regularly wash your hands and limit your contact with other people. Businesses must also make sure that they do what they can to encourage social distancing in their establishments.”
The council has provided downloadable resources such as signs and posters for businesses to use in stores, which are available for free on its website along with links to local and national advice.
Councillor Ian Ward added: “We are pleased to be able to support the reopening of establishments, but business won’t run entirely as normal. We are still facing difficult times which is why it is crucial for businesses to make sure they encourage social distancing and not do anything to put themselves or others at risk. I urge everyone to please remember the public health advice to reduce the risk to themselves and others.”
The council is also working with highway operators Kier to help maximise opportunities for social distancing by asking all businesses to keep the area outside of their shops clear of A-boards and unlicensed furniture. Officers will monitor key streets across the city and ask retailers to remove any unauthorised items to ensure footpaths remain clear for pedestrians.