Businesses reveal what steps they are taking to combat spread of coronavirus as push goes on to #supportlocal

MORE local businesses have revealed the steps they have taken to keep customers safe after throwing open their doors after nearly three months of closure.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Non-essential retailers were allowed to reopen on Monday by the government as long as they follow guidelines preventing the spread of coronavirus.

Firms have been forced to undertake rigorous precautions as the country eases out of lockdown – and The News has thrown its support behind smaller firms which have emphasised how important it is that customers back them in these difficult times.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Bridal boutique, Creatiques in Albert Road, reopened on Tuesday. Co-owner Robert Pearce said: ‘We’re only allowing one person to come into the shop with the bride. Everyone is wearing masks, gloves and there will be a temperature check for those coming in.

Hundreds of people took the chance to go shopping in Gunwharf.

Picture: Habibur RahmanHundreds of people took the chance to go shopping in Gunwharf.

Picture: Habibur Rahman
Hundreds of people took the chance to go shopping in Gunwharf. Picture: Habibur Rahman

‘All dresses will be sanitised after they have put them on. We will leave one hour between appointments to wipe down surfaces.

‘There will be hand sanitiser available and we will provide masks and gloves to customers. It has cost us a fortune spending out on PPE, which has set us back £1,000. We’ve also spent £1,000 on a deep clean of the shop.

‘We can’t offer refreshments now and customers can’t use the toilet.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mark Burch, who owns pop-up ice cream van CaraVanilla in Havant, is now parking in pub car parks while they're empty.

Andrew and Rob Pearce from Creatiques
Picture: Habibur Rahman (010219-)Andrew and Rob Pearce from Creatiques
Picture: Habibur Rahman (010219-)
Andrew and Rob Pearce from Creatiques Picture: Habibur Rahman (010219-)

He said: ‘I’ve put two metre markers down on the ground and there is a sneeze screen at the hatch of the caravan to act as protection between me and the customers.

‘For payment I’m using an old selfie stick which I have a contactless card reader on the end of.

‘I’m wearing a mask and gloves and will regularly clean throughout the day as well as carrying out cleans at the start and end of the day.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sarah Bailey, who owns florist Blossoms of Portsmouth, in Havant Road, Drayton, said: 'We have rearranged the shop to separate staff from customers, whilst still allowing room for our consultation desk, allowing families arranging funerals a little more time and privacy, whilst still being able to serve people at the other end of the shop.

Mike and Kate Burch's ice cream caravan Caravanilla, pictured pre-pandemic. 
Picture: Duncan ShepherdMike and Kate Burch's ice cream caravan Caravanilla, pictured pre-pandemic. 
Picture: Duncan Shepherd
Mike and Kate Burch's ice cream caravan Caravanilla, pictured pre-pandemic. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

‘We have a huge display of plants outside with a bell for service should customers rather not enter the shop, staff will go outside to help them.'

Mary Burgess Hypnotherapy in Selangor Avenue, Emsworth, has introduced new measures. ‘Social distance measures are in place and new hygiene guidelines to keep my clients safe,’ Mary said.

Read More
Man in police custody after 500 cannabis plants found

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on portsmouth.co.uk. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to portsmouth.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit our Subscription page now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.