Luton's The Mall announce new measures for social distancing when shops reopen on June 15

It follows yesterday coronavirus briefing by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who declared non-essential retail could begin trading again on Monday, June 15.

Currently, just 21 shopping units including Luton Indoor Market are open at The Mall, with restricted hours for many of these.

In a media statement, a spokesman from Mall owners Capital & Regional said: “Following recent government guidance, The Mall Luton plans to reopen for non-essential retail on June 15 in a safe and controlled manner, with measures implemented to ensure strict adherence to government guidelines.

“We continue to undertake extensive planning and consultation with the local authority, our retailers and service providers to ensure the health and wellbeing of our shoppers and staff.

“Detailed guidelines are being issued to our occupiers and centre team.

“Access to the centre will be closely monitored through additional staff and use of our existing footfall technology, with visitor capacity carefully controlled to maintain social distancing and to protect our visitors, occupiers and staff.

“If the density of shoppers rises to levels that may prevent social distancing, access to the centre will be reduced or temporarily stopped until numbers reduce.

“A number of measures continue to be implemented within the centre to support good hygiene practice and social distancing.

“We want everyone in the centre to feel as safe as possible and ask our shoppers to please adhere to the Government’s guidance on social distancing to reduce social interaction between people to help prevent the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).”

The public have been issued with the following guidance before entering The Mall:

> Do not enter the centre if you are experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms.

> Maintain a distance of at least two metres from all other members of the public.

> Strictly observe the centre’s social distancing measures as instructed by staff and stores.

Capital & Regional’s spokesman added: “We very much look forward to welcoming you back to The Mall Luton with a wider range of stores open.

“Information on the current essential services open and accessibility are available at www.themall.co.uk/luton and via our social media channels.”