New safety measures for shoppers and workers in Newcastle City Centre ahead of shops reopening

New safety measures will be installed around Newcastle City Centre this week to keep people safe.

Ahead of shops reopening on June 15, Newcastle City Council is making changes to the way people get around the city.

There will be one-way walking routes and queuing areas put in place on Northumberland Street. Measures will be introduced on Blackett Street shortly afterwards.

Signage showing people which way to go and where to queue will be in place and a team of volunteers, acting as city hosts, will be out on the street from June 15 to help people as they get used to the new social distancing arrangements.

Social distancing circles will also be marked out on open green spaces, including the area outside the Civic Centre and The Church of St Thomas the Martyr and Old Eldon Square.

Street furniture has already been removed to allow more space for social distancing.

People are being urged not to rush back into the city centre unless their journey is necessary. People should continue to shop local or shop online using local retailers where possible.

People are also reminded that from 15 June, when many non-essential shops are expected to reopen their doors, wearing face coverings on public transport will become mandatory. The advice on using public transport for essential journeys only remains in place.

And people are also warned that most public toilets, including those within shops, will not be open and, with cafes, restaurants and bars remaining closed for the time being, there are likely to be very few toilet facilities available.

On Northumberland Street, there will be two 4m wide walkways, one in each direction, with areas in front of shops and businesses for people to queue.

There will also be additional queuing space in the centre of the street in case queuing areas outside shops become full.

But space for queues will be limited due to the large number of businesses that need to be accommodated and people are encouraged not to crowd into queuing areas or stand around on walkways if queuing spaces are already full.

The new arrangements on the city’s main shopping streets follow changes made on Queen Victoria Road and St Thomas’ Street, where extra space for walking and cycling has been created to help people – particularly hospital staff going to and from work – to travel safely and with social distancing.

Further details are still to be announced.