Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre announce new Covid measures as non-essential shops reopen

The shopping centres have only been open for access to essential stores and click and collect services during the second national lockdown.

They will reopen fully on Wednesday December 2 as national lockdown measures are lifted after the Government confirmed that non-essential shopping can resume across England.

Landsec, which owns both centres, said extra health and safety measures have been introduced to keep customers safe during the busy Christmas period.

There will be extended trading hours at some retailers to manage peak periods, as well as restrictions on the number of customers let into the centre and shops at one time.

Social media updates will inform customers of the current capacity at White Rose and Trinity Leeds and the centres are encouraging shoppers to visit before midday or after 5pm on weekdays.

-> This Leeds area had biggest Leeds peak for Covid infection rates in one week in 2020

The wearing of face coverings inside the centre and shops will remain mandatory, as required by Government guidelines.

The one-way system which was implemented at both centres before the second lockdown will also continue into December and hand sanitiser stations will be available in all stores.

Centre director at Trinity Leeds, David Maddison, said: “Safety is our highest priority.

"We’re working hard to ensure we adhere to all government guidelines, and will be continuing to take a robust approach to cleanliness and hygiene.

"As well as the thorough cleaning of the centres, we will be carefully managing the capacity of the centres and individual stores, and masks will continue to be mandatory throughout.

"We will continue to update our website and social media platforms to keep guests up to date with store opening times and offers, along with the best time to visit the centre and our quietest times to shop. "

Steven Foster, centre director at White Rose, added: “In the run up to Christmas, guests are also encouraged to visit the centres at quieter times – before midday, or after 5pm on weekdays – while some retailers will be trading for longer hours to meet demand while adhering to social distancing.

"While Christmas shopping will certainly be different this year, we want it to be as safe and enjoyable as possible.”

It comes as the Government confirms that Leeds will be placed in Tier 3 from Wednesday.

In Tier 3:

- you must not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble, this includes in any private garden or at most outdoor venues

- you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in some other outdoor public spaces, including parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, a public garden, grounds of a heritage site or castle, or a sports facility – this is called the ‘rule of 6’

- hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha venues), pubs, cafes and restaurants are closed – they are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.

- accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses must close. There are several exemptions, such as for those who use these venues as their main residence, and those requiring the venues where it is reasonably necessary for work or education and training

- indoor entertainment and tourist venues must close. This includes: indoor play centres and areas, including trampolining parks and soft play, casinos, bingo halls and bowling alleys

- leisure and sports facilities may continue to stay open, but group exercise classes (including fitness and dance) should not go ahead. Saunas and steam rooms should close

- there should be no public attendance at spectator sport or indoor performances and large business events should not be taking place. Elite sport events may continue to take place without spectators

- large outdoor events (performances and shows) should not take place, with the exception of drive-in events

- places of worship remain open, but you must not attend with or socialise with anyone outside of your household or support bubble while you are there, unless a legal exemption applies

- weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions are not allowed, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, 15 people can attend linked commemorative events

- organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue, however higher-risk contact activity should not take place

- organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes cannot take place indoors. There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s

- you can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible

- avoid travelling to other parts of the UK, including for overnight stays other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey

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