Member of Parliament for the Cities of London & Westminster, Nickie Aiken, has welcomed the reopening of non-essential shops across the Two Cities. From today, all non-essential retail shops have been granted permission to reopen, provided they follow government guidelines to keep staff and customers safe. Nickie visited retailers in Westminster Victoria and in Pimlico today.
The guidelines include limiting the number of customers allowed inside at one time, placing protective coverings on large items which may be touched by passing shoppers, and frequently checking and cleaning objects and surfaces. Shops should also display a notice visibly in their shop windows or outside their store to show their employees, customers and other visitors that they have followed guidance.
On the reopening of non-essential shops, Nickie commented,
“The reopening of non-essential shops today marks an important step in our recovery from Coronavirus. I’ve been really impressed how our shops, big and small, have adapted to the government’s guidelines which are allowing them to reopen in a safe manner.”
Nickie added, “It’s really important that now they are open again we all go out and support our shops as much as possible. Our economy and, most importantly, people’s livelihoods depend on it.”
Nickie has been keen been in regular contact with the business community throughout lockdown. As a resource for local people and to support our business community across the Cities of London & Westminster, she has put together an online directory of businesses open to the public. You can view and still submit new businesses to the directory.