How to keep yourself safe while shopping – and do you need to wear a mask?
NEXT week more people are expected to head out to the high street again as non-essential shops can reopen.
A number of stores have already revealed their plans after passing strict tests from the government.
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These tests include installing hand sanitiser stations for staff and customers and marking out two metre distances on the shop floor.
But shoppers are also expected to take care when browsing stores when they reopen on June 15.
How can I stay safe when I'm shopping?
Most shops are expected to have queues outside as stores continue to cap the number of people allowed inside at one time.
Make sure you stay two metres away from people when queueing and also when you're inside the shop.
Use the hand sanitisers that are on display when you enter and leave a shop, as well as after touching surfaces.
Don't touch your face and or pick up and put down multiple items.
The shops that will be reopening their doors
THESE are the retailers that have confirmed they will be reopening stores from mid-June:
- Argos
- Barnardo's
- Burton
- Currys PC World
- Debenhams
- EE/BT
- GAME
- Greggs
- H&M
- Harrods
- JD Sports
- John Lewis
- Kurt Geiger
- Ladbrokes/Coral
- Lush
- M&S
- Marie Curie
- Miss Selfridge
- Next
- O2
- Oliver Bonas
- Oxfam
- Primark
- Smyths Toys
- Sports Direct
- Topman
- Topshop
- Vodafone
- Zara
Do I need to wear a face mask?
According to government guidance, as of June 15, you must wear a face mask where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
It says this is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas, for example, on public transport or in some shops.
This is likely to mean small shops where social distancing will be harder.
If you're unsure, contact your local retailer before planning a visit or ensure you have a mask with you that you can put on if required to do so.
Wearing a face mask does not prevent you from spreading COVID-19 to other people if you're showing symptoms.
So, if you are showing symptoms, stay at home and get tested.
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Can I use the changing rooms in shops?
A lot of shops have closed their changing rooms for the time being to make sure that everyone is safe and protected.
Marks and Spencer, John Lewis and H&M have all said they won't allow people to try clothes on in store.
If you want to try something on, your best bet is to buy it first and then try it on at home – some retailers have extended returns policies to help with this.
Make sure you check a shop's returns policy before buying anything in case you decide you want your money back.
Other ways you can get round the changing room ban are:
- Check the size charts before you head out. Every shop is different so check beforehand.
- Measure yourself at home so you know what will fit you
- Look at online reviews. Many shops have a section about whether or not a piece of clothing is large, true to size or smaller, so you could use that as a guide.
Some shops have let The Sun go exclusively behind the scenes to see what shoppers will be faced with next week.
Coral let The Sun into one of its betting shops to see what branches will look like when it opens its doors next week – and it's erected sneeze screens.
Meanwhile, JD Sports has given staff anti-bac sprays to help keep shoes germ free.
Wetherspoon also gave an insight into how it will operate once its reopens in July.
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