New rules proposed to limit customers in shops and keep staff safe in return to work

Linda J. Dodson

The number of customers allowed in shops will be limited and browsers will be kept apart with markings on the floor under reopening guidelines for when the lockdown is lifted.

Guidance from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) outlines measures that will be taken to keep staff and consumers safe.

All non-essential stores were forced to shut last month as part of draconian measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Now the BRC has put together a set of suggested rules for operating under what has been described as a “new normal” until the threat fades.

These include having extra barriers, encouraging customers to shop alone, keeping changing rooms closed and installing protective screens at the tills.

Alex Baldock, the Dixons Carphone boss, has even devised zero-contact stores with drive-through-style pickup points for goods. 

DIY chain Homebase started selling its wares again in 20 branches on Saturday.

 John Lewis, the department store chain, is poised to open some of its stores from mid-May.

Last week, Associated British Foods, the boss of Primark’s owner, said notice of between two and four weeks will be crucial to help the industry get up and running again.

DIY chains, garden centres and toy and electrical stores are expected to reopen in the first wave.

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