Merton High Streets and local businesses are today (Monday 12 April) opening their doors and welcoming back customers for the first time in four months.
This is a much needed boost for the local economy and the first big step in helping local businesses to bounce back in 2021.
Residents are being encouraged to come into the town centres and support and enjoy their local high streets and small, independent local businesses.
In Merton many local non-essential retailers and close contact businesses such as hairdressers and beauty salons are reopening and pubs, cafes and restaurant can now serve customers in outside seating.
It is important that everyone still continues to follow guidance to ensure that businesses provide CO|VID-19 safe environments so that shoppers are comfortable and confident about going back to the high streets.
Remember to Shop Safe and Shop Local! To keep everyone safe we all need to continue to follow COVID-19 guidance including:
- Washing and sanitising hands regularly
- Keeping 2 metres social distance from those not in your household
- Wearing a face covering unless you are exempt
- Following queuing and one way systems in shops and premises
- Use contactless payment where possible
The council has put together advice to help both business and local residents. These include online webinars, leaflets, a welcome back advertising campaign on billboards and public transport, FAQs and a toolkit for businesses.
About 1 in 3 people with coronavirus do not have symptoms but can still infect others. Everyone is now able to access free, regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing to help keep us all safe now we are out and about. There are several ways for people who live and work in Merton to get a test – visit Coronavirus tests and self-isolating Businesses can access support and information at www.merton.gov.uk/reopening and residents should visit www.merton.gov.uk/coronavirus